List of British dukedoms facts for kids

Imagine a special title that's been passed down in families for hundreds of years! In Britain, these titles are called dukedoms. A dukedom is like a very important rank, and the person who holds it is called a Duke (or a Duchess if it's a woman). Each dukedom is usually connected to a specific family and often comes with a grand home, sometimes even a big house in London. The Royal Family also has some of these special dukedoms for their own members, like the Duke of Cambridge.

What is a Dukedom?

A dukedom is the highest rank of nobility in the United Kingdom, below only the monarch (the King or Queen). It's a very old tradition! When a dukedom is 'created', it means the monarch has given this special title to someone, usually for their loyalty or important service to the country.

Most dukedoms are hereditary, which means they are passed down through the family, usually from father to son. This is why many of these titles have existed for centuries! The family connected to a dukedom often has a large country estate and, in the past, might have also owned a grand townhouse in London.

Famous British Dukedoms

There are over 20 dukedoms in Britain that still exist today. Each one has a rich history and is linked to a specific family. Here are some examples of these historic titles:

• Duke of Devonshire

* This dukedom was created in 1694 for the Cavendish family. They are known for their beautiful home, Chatsworth House. The title still exists today.

• Duke of Rutland

* The Manners family received this title in 1703. Their family seat is Belvoir Castle. This dukedom continues to be held by the family.

• Duke of Lennox and Gordon

* Created in 1876 for the Gordon-Lennox family. This title is still active.

• Duke of Wellington

* This famous dukedom was created in 1814 for the Wellesley family. The first Duke, Arthur Wellesley, was a famous general who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. The title exists today.

• Duke of Beaufort

* The Somerset family received this title in 1692. The title survives to this day.

• Duke of Queensberry

* Created in 1684 for the Douglas family. This title still exists today.

• Duke of Hamilton

* The Douglas-Hamilton family received this title in 1643. It is the premier dukedom in Scotland and still exists today.

• Duke of Buccleuch

* This title was created for the Scott family. It is another important Scottish dukedom that exists today.

• Duke of Marlborough

* Created in 1702 for the Churchill family. The most famous holder was John Churchill, a great military commander. The title exists today.

• Duke of Bedford

* The Russell family received this title in 1694. They are known for Woburn Abbey. The title still exists today.

• Duke of Westminster

* Created for the Grosvenor family in 1874. This family owns a lot of land in London. The title still exists today.

• Duke of Sutherland

* This title was created for the Leveson-Gower family in 1833.

Royal Dukedoms

Some dukedoms are reserved for members of the Royal Family. These are often given to princes when they marry or reach a certain age. Unlike other dukedoms, these are usually not passed down through generations unless specified by the monarch.

Here are some examples of royal dukedoms:

• Duke of Cambridge (currently held by Prince William)
• Duke of York (currently held by Prince Andrew)
• Duke of Sussex (currently held by Prince Harry)
• Duke of Kent
• Duke of Edinburgh (currently held by Prince Edward)