The rank of a baronet is half way between that of a Baron and that of a Knight.
A baronetcy is unique in two ways:
The term baronet was first applied to the nobility who lost the right of individual summons to Parliament, and was used in this sense in a statute of Richard II.
The revival of the Order can be dated to Sir Robert Cotton's discovery in the late 16th or early 17th century of William de la Pole's Patent (issued in the 13th year of Edward III's reign), conferring upon him the dignity of a Baronet in return for a sum of money.
Baronetcies subsequently fall under one of the following five creations:
Baronets use the title "Sir" before their name (baronetesses use "Dame"), but whereas all other knighthoods apply to an individual only, a baronetcy is hereditary. The eldest son of a baronet who is born in wedlock is entitled to accede to the baronetcy upon the death of his father. With a few exceptions, baronetcies can only be inherited by, or inherited through, males. Wives of baronets are not considered baronetesses, only females holding baronetcies in their own right are baronetesses.
Originally Baronets also had other rights, including the right to have their eldest son knighted on his 21st birthday. However, beginning in the reign of George IV these rights have been gradually revoked, on the grounds that sovereigns should not be bound by acts made by their predecessors.
Since 1965 only one new baronetcy has been created. This was for the late Sir Denis Thatcher, the husband of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (now Baroness Thatcher). Upon his death in 2003, their eldest son became the 2nd Baronet, Sir Mark Thatcher.
Baronets were granted the Arms of Ulster as a canton or inescutcheon in armorial bearings, argent a sinister hand couped at the wrist and erect gules, known as the Badge of Ulster.
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Baronets of Scotland or Nova Scotia were granted the Arms of Nova Scotia in their armorial bearings and the right to wear about the neck the badge of Nova Scotia, suspended by an orange-tawny ribbon.
This consists of an escutcheon argent with a saltire azure thereon, an ineschutcheon of the arms of Scotland, with an Imperial Crown above the escutcheon, and encircles with the motto Fax mentis Honestae Gloria. This Badge may be shown suspended by the ribbon below the shield of arms.
Baronets of England and Ireland applied to Charles I for permission to wear a badge. Although a badge was worn in the 17th century, it was not until 1929 that King George V granted permission to all baronets other than those of Scotland to wear a Badge round their neck.
This was composed of the Arms of Ulster, on a silver field, a left hand gules, surmounted by an Imperial Crown, enamelled in proper colours, the whole enclosed by an oval border embossed with scroll work of (1) roses for baronets of England, (2) shamrocks for baronets of Ireland, (3) roses and thistles for baronets of Great Britain, and (4) roses, thistles and shamrocks combined for baronets of the United Kingdom. The badge to be suspended from an orange-tawny riband with a narrow edge of dark blue on both sides, the total breadth to be 1 and three-quarter inches, and the breadth of each to be a quarter inch. The Badge may be shown suspended by its riband below the shield of arms.
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Because Baronet is not a peerage title, it does not disqualify the holder from standing for election to the British House of Commons. However since 1999 neither do hereditary peerages, so the distinction has become largely historical. A number of Baronets were returned to the House of Commons in the 2001 General election. A full list of British Baronets can be found in the book Burke's Peerage and Baronetage.
The correct style on an envelope for a baronet who has no other titles is: "Sir <Joseph Bloggs>, Bart." or "Sir <Joseph Bloggs>, Bt.". The letter would commence: "Dear Sir <Joseph>".
Wives of baronets are addressed and referred to as "Lady <Bloggs>"; at the head of a letter as "Dear Lady <Bloggs>". Their given name is used only when necessary to distinguish Lady (Alice) Bloggs from Lady (Gertrude) Bloggs.
As for the very rare baronetess, one should write "Dame Daisy Dunbar, Btss." At the head of the letter, one would write "Dear Dame Daisy," and to refer to her, you would say "Dame Daisy" or "Dame Daisy Dunbar" (but never "Dame Dunbar"). There have only been three baronetesses in history: Dame Daisy Dunbar, 8th Btss (1906-1997); Dame Mary Bolles, 1st Btss (1579-1662; the only ever woman created a baronetess); and Eleanor Dalyell, 10th Btss (1895-1972)