Baronet facts for kids
A baronet is a special title for a man in the United Kingdom. It means he is called Sir, just like a knight. However, a baronet is not a senior member of a special group called an order of chivalry. He is also not a Knight Bachelor.
One big difference is that a baronet can pass his title down to his children. Knights cannot do this. Baronets are ranked higher than knights. But they are ranked lower than barons, who are part of the nobility.
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History of Baronets
Some baronets existed way back in the 1300s. But the modern group of baronets started with King James I of England.
Baronets in England
On 22 May 1611, King James I created the current system of baronets in England. He made 200 "gentlemen of good birth" into baronets. He did this for two main reasons. First, he wanted to reward people with a title that was more than a knighthood. But he didn't want to make them as important as a Baron.
Second, the king needed money. He needed money to pay for soldiers in Ireland. So, each new baronet had to pay £1095. This amount was enough to pay for thirty soldiers for three years.
Baronets in Ireland
In 1619, King James I also created the Baronetage of Ireland. He did this to get even more money.
Baronets in Scotland and Nova Scotia
King James I also planned to create the Baronetage of Nova Scotia in 1624. This was to help explore Nova Scotia (which means New Scotland) in what is now Canada. But he died that year.
His son, King Charles I, continued the plan. In 1625, he set up the Baronetage of Scotland and Nova Scotia. These new baronets had to pay £2000. Or, they could support six settlers for two years.
Today, more than one hundred "baronets of Nova Scotia" still exist. The Duke of Roxburghe holds the title of Baronet of Innes-Ker of Innes. He is known as the Premier Baronet of Scotland. This is because his baronetcy is the oldest one still existing in Scotland. It was created in 1625.
Baronet Insignia
Baronets of Nova Scotia were allowed to wear a special badge starting in 1629. The design on this badge is the same as the flag of Nova Scotia.
Baronets from England, Ireland, Great Britain, or the United Kingdom did not have a badge until 1929.
Images for kids
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A baronet's medal ribbon
