Baron facts for kids

A baron is a special title of honor used in many European countries. It's often a title that passes down through families, and it's usually one of the lower ranks in a system of noble titles called a "peerage."

In the United Kingdom, there are five main peerage titles, from highest to lowest: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron. People with titles like Baronet or knight are not part of the peerage, even though a baron might also be a knight.

The word "baron" comes from the Old French word baron, which originally meant "freeman" or "warrior". It later combined with an Old English word, beorn, meaning "nobleman." The land owned by a baron is called a barony. If a woman holds this title, she is called a baroness. When you address a baron, you would say "Lord," and for a baroness, you would say "Lady."

Barons in History

During the Middle Ages in England, a baron was a powerful landowner. These barons held their lands directly from the king. This system was part of what was known as feudalism.

In the 13th century, kings would send a special written order, called a writ, to barons. This writ would summon them to attend Parliament. This shows how important barons were in the government and decision-making of the time.

Images for kids

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  Baron Hieronymus von Münchhausen (1720–1797), whose stories inspired the famous tales of Baron Munchausen.

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  A Lord of Parliament, also known as a baron, shown in a 16th-century manuscript.

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  The special robe worn by a baron during his creation ceremony in 17th-century Britain.

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  A Scottish baron's helmet.

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  Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim in 1920.

See also

In Spanish: Barón para niños