Margrave (maar-grayv / maar-shuh-nuhs)
A margrave is the holder of a march, a hereditary title awarded by the Crown. Margrave, or the feminine Marchioness, belongs to the upper nobility and would oversee a march, a swathe of land that could range from several hundred to over a thousand square miles, with some of the largest ones exceeding 2000. Lower nobility that resides over areas inside the march are typically direct vassals of the margrave, the main exception being that a viscount may have a baron or baronet that oversees one of the towns or villages within their demesne. A margrave typically acts as the direct vassal of a duke, presiding over a portion of the duchy.
Like all members of the peerage, a march is hereditarily entailed. The eldest child of a margrave who is born in wedlock succeeds to a march upon his father/mother's death but will not be officially recognized until his name is recognized by the Crown. Marches often pass to the eldest child, though different cultures may prioritize male or female children, and a margrave has the right to designate a younger child heir should he feel it justified.
A margrave and a Count/Countess are very similar though a margrave ranks slightly higher. A march is a county that is on a border, so a margrave is entrusted with protecting that border. This means that military prowess is expected, and failure to uphold a certain standard or protect the border is more likely to result in the rank being stripped away and given to another. This also means a higher degree of trust is given to a margrave, elevating their political standing.
Less formally, one refers to or addresses a margrave as "Lord [March]" and his wife as "Lady [March]." In direct address, margraves can also be referred to as "My Lord/Your Lordship," or "My Lady/Your Ladyship". A margrave that outlives the rightful holder of the title becomes known as the "Dowager Lord/Lady [March]" unless the title was officially passed onto them.
Children of margraves have the style "Margrave of [March]," and would be addressed in similar fashion to their parents. The main distinction is they would not be referred to as "the" margrave. After the death of the father or mother, the child may continue to use this style if they are not the inheritor of the title.
Like all members of the peerage, a march is hereditarily entailed. The eldest child of a margrave who is born in wedlock succeeds to a march upon his father/mother's death but will not be officially recognized until his name is recognized by the Crown. Marches often pass to the eldest child, though different cultures may prioritize male or female children, and a margrave has the right to designate a younger child heir should he feel it justified.
A margrave and a Count/Countess are very similar though a margrave ranks slightly higher. A march is a county that is on a border, so a margrave is entrusted with protecting that border. This means that military prowess is expected, and failure to uphold a certain standard or protect the border is more likely to result in the rank being stripped away and given to another. This also means a higher degree of trust is given to a margrave, elevating their political standing.
Methods of Address
Formally, margraves are styled "The Most Honorable The Margrave of [March]." The spouse of a margrave is afforded the same styling as their husband or wife. This would only be used in the context of an introduction or a letter.Less formally, one refers to or addresses a margrave as "Lord [March]" and his wife as "Lady [March]." In direct address, margraves can also be referred to as "My Lord/Your Lordship," or "My Lady/Your Ladyship". A margrave that outlives the rightful holder of the title becomes known as the "Dowager Lord/Lady [March]" unless the title was officially passed onto them.
Children of margraves have the style "Margrave of [March]," and would be addressed in similar fashion to their parents. The main distinction is they would not be referred to as "the" margrave. After the death of the father or mother, the child may continue to use this style if they are not the inheritor of the title.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
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