Posted by Mark on June 27, 1997 at 13:03:28:
In reply to Re: Peerage posted by James on June 26, 1997 at 20:28:09
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] ] If Darcy were to be given a title what would be the highest rank he could be given. Thanks
] In England, the five degrees of the Peerage are, in ascending order: baron, viscount, earl, marquis, and duke. A baronet is not a peer; he is a knight, and thus a commoner. Sir Winston Churchill, though a baronet, could thus sit in the House of Commons throughout his life. He was actually offered a peerage (a dukedom, to be exact), but refused the honor because he would have been forced to leave the House of Commons for the House of Lords.
What happens when the crown wishes to honor (honour?) the achievements of a woman? For example, I believe I read somewhere that Maggie Thatcher is now "Lady Thatcher". Does her husband have to be elevated in order for her to receive the title? And if it is inherited peerage, does the daughter get the title or the son?
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