Baron/Baroness
A baron or the female equivalent, a baroness, is the holder of a barony, a hereditary title awarded by the Crown. Barons belong to the lowest rank of the upper nobility and would typically have lands that included a town and the surrounding farmland and homesteads. It is possible to lose the land associated with the title while not losing the title itself, though this is rare and causes the title to lose much of its respect.
A baron typically acts as the direct vassal of a count or viscount, presiding over one of the towns or villages in the county/viscounty. Like all members of the peerage, a barony is hereditarily entailed. The eldest child of a baron who is born in wedlock succeeds to a barony upon his father/mother's death but will not be officially recognized until his name is recognized by the Crown. Baronies often pass to the eldest child, though different cultures may prioritize male or female children, and a baron has the right to designate a younger child heir should he feel it justified.
Less formally, one refers to or addresses a baron as "Baron [Barony]" or "Lord [Barony]" and his wife as "Lady [Barony]." Baronesses in their own right are addressed as "Baroness [Barony]" or "Lady [Barony]," again by personal preference. In direct address, barons and baronesses can also be referred to as "My Lord/Your Lordship," or "My Lady/Your Ladyship". The husband of a baroness in her own right gains no title or style from his wife.
Children of barons and baronesses in their own right, whether hereditary or for life, have the style "The Honorable [Full name]." After the death of the father or mother, the child may continue to use this style.
Including a baron or baroness's forename before his or her title is incorrect and potentially misleading. For example, "Lady Katrin Cabell" (as opposed to "Lady Cabell") would imply that she was the daughter of an count, marquess, or duke. Likewise, in the case of men, "Lord Athon Cabell" (as opposed to "Lord Cabell of Hilltop") would imply that he was the younger son of a marquess or duke rather than a baron.
Methods of Address
Formally, barons are styled "The Right Honorable The Lord [Surname] of [Barony]" and barons’ wives are styled "The Lady [Surname] of [Barony]." Baronesses in their own right, whether hereditary or for life, are either styled "The Right Honorable The Baroness [Surname] of [Barony]" or "The Right Honorable The Lady [Surname] of [Barony]," mainly based on personal preference. This would only be used in the context of an introduction or a letter.Less formally, one refers to or addresses a baron as "Baron [Barony]" or "Lord [Barony]" and his wife as "Lady [Barony]." Baronesses in their own right are addressed as "Baroness [Barony]" or "Lady [Barony]," again by personal preference. In direct address, barons and baronesses can also be referred to as "My Lord/Your Lordship," or "My Lady/Your Ladyship". The husband of a baroness in her own right gains no title or style from his wife.
Children of barons and baronesses in their own right, whether hereditary or for life, have the style "The Honorable [Full name]." After the death of the father or mother, the child may continue to use this style.
Including a baron or baroness's forename before his or her title is incorrect and potentially misleading. For example, "Lady Katrin Cabell" (as opposed to "Lady Cabell") would imply that she was the daughter of an count, marquess, or duke. Likewise, in the case of men, "Lord Athon Cabell" (as opposed to "Lord Cabell of Hilltop") would imply that he was the younger son of a marquess or duke rather than a baron.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
My Lord/Your Lordship, My Lady/Your Ladyship
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