Is a viscount the same as a duke?

VISCOUNT. The fourth rank in the peerage, the viscount is ranked below duke, marquess and earl, but above baron. This title had its origin in the office of the deputy or the lieutenant (vice-comes) of a count, a rank that had become hereditary in the Holy Roman Empire by the beginning of the 10th century.

What is the difference between a Duke a lord and an earl?

According to Debrett’s, “Earl is the third rank of the Peerage, standing above the ranks of viscount and baron, but below duke and marquess.” So, if you’re looking to marry an eligible royal, an earl might be your best pretty solid bet – although ranking-wise a duke or marquess would be more impressive.

Is a Duke more important than a viscount?

The title of viscount was created in the 15th century. The five ranks of nobility are listed here in order of precedence: Duke (from the Latin dux, leader). This is the highest and most important rank.

Do dukes and earls still exist?

There are only 24 non-Royal Dukes (22 of whom own land) and 34 Marquesses (14 of whom own land in England). But according to Debrett’s, there are currently 191 Earls, 115 Viscounts, and 435 Barons – some 800 peers in total.

What is an Earls wife called?

Countess
A wife of an Earl is styled Countess.

Why are Dukes called Your Grace?

“Your Grace” was often used long before the time of Henry VIII to address kings as a sort of short form for “by the Grace of God”. It was also used to address and refer to various other persons of high rank, like Dukes/Earls/Lords (of This, That and The Other!) .

What is the difference between a viscount and an Earl?

Under earls are viscounts/viscountesses, who historically were their deputies/lieutenants back when they were running their provinces and shires. The title was created in 1440 during the Hundred Years’ War, when King Henry VI, then the King of England and France, wanted to consolidate the titles of the two countries.

How many Marquesses are there in the United Kingdom?

There are currently 34 marquesses, the most senior of which is the Marquess of Winchester, which was created in 1551. After marquesses come the earls, a title equivalent to that of a count in other parts of Europe (and the female version of an earl is called a countess).

How many Dukes are there in the United Kingdom?

The other current royal dukes are the Queen’s first cousins, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, and there are also 24 non-royal dukes, with the oldest blood line going back to 1397. The next ranking under duke is that of the marquess/marchioness.

What is the next ranking under a Duke?

The next ranking under duke is that of the marquess/marchioness. The title was created by King Richard in 1385, and the fact that this new title was above the rank of earls pissed a lot of people off. Even now, it’s not a particularly popular title in England (honestly, I had never even heard of it before writing this).