Duchy facts for kids
A duchy is a special area of land that is ruled by a duke or a duchess. Think of it like a small country or a big region within a country.
Historically, some duchies in Europe were completely independent, meaning they ruled themselves like a country. These were called sovereign duchies. Other duchies, especially in France and Britain, were part of a larger kingdom and had to follow the rules of the king or queen. These were called subordinate duchies.
A grand duchy, like Luxembourg, was usually independent and ruled itself. Many independent duchies were found in the Holy Roman Empire and other German-speaking areas. In France, there were many duchies during the Middle Ages. Even today, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom holds the old French title of Duke of Normandy. The only lands still connected to the Duchy of Normandy are the Channel Islands.
In medieval England, the areas of Lancashire and Cornwall were made into duchies. Their Dukes were given special powers to rule these lands.
Contents
What is a Duchy?
A duchy is a territory or region that is governed by a noble person called a duke or a duchess. The word "duchy" comes from the word "duke," which is a high-ranking title, often just below a king or queen.
Who Rules a Duchy?
The ruler of a duchy is either a duke (a male ruler) or a duchess (a female ruler). These rulers usually inherit their title and the land from their family. They have special powers and responsibilities over their duchy.
Duchies in History
For many centuries, especially during the Middle Ages, duchies were very common in Europe. They played an important role in how countries were organized.
Independent Duchies
Some duchies were like small, independent countries. They had their own laws, armies, and governments. These were called sovereign duchies. A good example is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which is still an independent country today. Many sovereign duchies were found in the area that was once the Holy Roman Empire, which covered parts of modern-day Germany, Austria, and other countries.
Duchies within Kingdoms
Other duchies were part of a larger kingdom. This meant they were ruled by a duke or duchess, but they still had to follow the rules of the king or queen of the larger kingdom. For example, in medieval France, there were several duchies like the Duchy of Normandy or the Duchy of Brittany. These duchies were powerful, but they were still under the authority of the King of France.
Famous Duchies
- Duchy of Normandy: This was a very important duchy in France during the Middle Ages. It was once ruled by William the Conqueror, who later became King of England. Today, the British monarch still holds the title "Duke of Normandy," but it only applies to the Channel Islands, which are close to France.
- Duchy of Lancaster: In England, the Duchy of Lancaster is a special area of land that belongs to the British monarch. The income from this duchy helps support the King or Queen.
- Duchy of Cornwall: This duchy in England belongs to the eldest son of the British monarch, who is usually the heir apparent (the next in line to the throne). The income from this duchy helps support the heir.
Images for kids
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The Duke and Duchess of Scania in 1905
See also
In Spanish: Ducado para niños
