Difference between revisions of "Baronage"

From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(12 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
The body of ''[[Baronet]]s'' and ''[[Baron]]s'' created by a particular feudal overlord constitute the "''[[Baronage]]''" of that overlord's realm of authority. ''[[Baronet]]s'', and in some instances ''[[Baron]]s'', are created by both [[Archduke]]s and the [[Emperor]] within the [[Third Imperium]]. There are thus a total of eight '''''Baronages''''': one for each of the seven [[Domain]]s associated with the [[Archduke]]s that oversee them, as well as the ''Imperial Baronage'' associated with those [[Baron]]s and [[Baronet]]s created directly by the [[Emperor]] ''as'' [[Emperor]].  
+
The body of ''[[Baronet]]s'' and ''[[Baron]]s'' created by a particular feudal overlord constitute the "''[[Baronage]]''" of that overlord's realm of authority. ''[[Baronet]]s'', and in some instances ''[[Baron]]s'', are created by both [[Archduke]]s and the [[Emperor]] within the [[Third Imperium]].{{Page cite|name= Imperiallines 7 |citeName= IL7 |article= Nobility in the Third Imperium (Part One)|page= 4-7}} There are thus a total of eight '''''Baronages''''': one for each of the seven [[Domain]]s associated with the [[Archduke]]s that oversee them, as well as the ''Imperial Baronage'' associated with those [[Baron]]s and [[Baronet]]s created directly by the [[Emperor]] ''as'' [[Emperor]].  
  
−
''[[Baronet]]'' is a special form of ''[[Baron]]'' normally awarded by an [[Archduke]] of one of the [[Domain]]s of the [[Imperium]], though they may be created by the [[Emperor]] directly as well as an "''Imperial Baronet''". ''[[Baronet]]s'' rank below ''[[Baron]]s'' in seniority and precedence.  
+
''[[Baronet]]'' is a special form of ''[[Baron]]'' normally awarded by an [[Archduke]] of one of the [[Domain]]s of the [[Imperium]], though they may also be created by the [[Emperor]] directly ''as Emperor'' as an "''Imperial Baronet''". ''[[Baronet]]s'' rank below ''[[Baron]]s'' in seniority and precedence.{{Page cite|name= Library Data (N-Z)|page= |citeName= CTLibDatNZ}} ''[[Baron]]s'' can be created and assigned by either the [[Iridium Throne]] or, in some parts of the [[Third Imperium|Imperium]], by the [[Archduke]]s of [[Domain]]s {{Page cite|name= Imperiallines 7 |citeName= IL7 |article= Nobility in the Third Imperium (Part One)|page= 4-7}}. Those [[Baron]]s created by an [[Archduke]] are officially ranked below those created by the [[Emperor]], but are usually recommended for Imperial appointment{{Page cite|name= Imperiallines 7 |citeName= IL7 |article= Nobility in the Third Imperium (Part One)|page= 4-7}}. They are not normally considered to be [[Peer]]s in the [[Imperial]] [[Moot]], though they may have voting rights in more regional [[Domain]] assemblies.  
−
 
 
−
''[[Baron]]s'' can be created and assigned by either the [[Iridium Throne]] or, in some parts of the [[Third Imperium|Imperium]], by the [[Archduke]]s of [[Domain]]s {{Page cite|name= Imperiallines 7 |citeName= IL7 |article= Nobility in the Third Imperium (Part One)|page= 4-7}}. Those [[Baron]]s created by an [[Archduke]] are officially ranked below those created by the [[Emperor]], but are usually recommended for Imperial appointment. They are not normally considered to be [[Peer]]s in the [[Imperial]] [[Moot]], though they may have voting rights in more regional [[Domain]] assemblies.  
 
  
 
''[[Local Nobility|Local]]'' ''[[Planetary Nobility]]'' who are world-rulers are sometimes granted a ''[[Barony]]'' associated with their world if they do not possess a higher Imperial title of their own both as a courtesy and in order to give them a stake in the ruling of the [[Third Imperium|Imperium]], and non-ruling [[Planetary Nobility|Local Nobility]] are sometimes granted a ''[[Baronetcy]]'' in  order to grant them some measure of off-world prestige. Senior Imperial Admirals and Generals are also often granted the honor title of ''[[Baron]]'' without a fief or duties if they achieve their rank without having acquired any other title, whereas lower-ranking "fighting Admirals" are often made ''[[Baronet]]s''.
 
''[[Local Nobility|Local]]'' ''[[Planetary Nobility]]'' who are world-rulers are sometimes granted a ''[[Barony]]'' associated with their world if they do not possess a higher Imperial title of their own both as a courtesy and in order to give them a stake in the ruling of the [[Third Imperium|Imperium]], and non-ruling [[Planetary Nobility|Local Nobility]] are sometimes granted a ''[[Baronetcy]]'' in  order to grant them some measure of off-world prestige. Senior Imperial Admirals and Generals are also often granted the honor title of ''[[Baron]]'' without a fief or duties if they achieve their rank without having acquired any other title, whereas lower-ranking "fighting Admirals" are often made ''[[Baronet]]s''.
  
 
== History & Background ==
 
== History & Background ==
−
Historically, the term "Baronage" arose in the Ancient Anglic dialects (or [[English]]) in the Western Eurasian region of ancient pre-Industrial [[Terra (SR 1827) (world)|Terra]] to refer generically to those landowners and warlords who held and owned land outright as opposed to holding it by grant from another, with the exception only of the King who by right was the overlord of all lands by definition. The term "Baron" was thus in origin not a title, but a general class descriptor of social position, regardless of the amount of land or prestige held, the holders being simply referred to as ''"Hlaford"'' from ancient ''"Hlaf-weard"'' (''"Loaf-warden"'', or ''"defender of the granary"''), later worn down into the term ''"Lord"''. All "Lords" were thus members of the Baronage, great and small, holding their position by land-tenure. Certain positions of authority (such as Earl or "Comes" (Count) - the title for the Governorship of a Royal City - and his lieutenant, steward, and overseer of judicial affairs, the "Vice-Comes", or "Viscount") were Royal appointments that one need be a member of the Baronage in order to qualify for, but were otherwise non-hereditary, and not necessary for life. As time wore on, ambitious members of the baronage were able to effectively secure hereditary appointments to these positions for their heirs, and thus effectively created new "titles" of nobility that were ranked above mere members of the baronage without such distinctions.  
+
Historically, the term "Baronage" arose in the Ancient Anglic dialects (or [[English]]) in the Western Eurasian region of ancient pre-Industrial [[Terra (SR 1827) (world)|Terra]] to refer generically to those landowners and warlords who held and owned land outright as opposed to holding it by grant from another, with the exception only of the King who by right was the overlord of all lands by definition. The term ''"Baron"'' was thus in origin not a title, but a general class descriptor of social position, regardless of the amount of land or prestige held, the holders being simply referred to as a ''"Hlaford"'' from ancient ''"Hlaf-weard"'' (''"Loaf-warden"'', or ''"defender of the granary"''), later worn down into the term ''"Lord"''. All "Lords" were thus members of the Baronage, great and small, holding their position by land-tenure. Certain positions of authority (such as ''"Earl"'' or ''"Comes" (Count)'' - the title for the Governorship of a Royal City - and his lieutenant, steward, and overseer of judicial affairs, the ''"Vice-Comes"'', or ''"Viscount"'' (called a ''"Sheriff"'' or ''"Shire-reeve"'' - from a ''"Reeve"'' or local official - in some localities) were Royal appointments that one need be a member of the Baronage in order to qualify for, but were otherwise non-hereditary, and not necessarily life-appointments. As time wore on, ambitious members of the baronage were able to effectively secure hereditary appointments to these positions for their heirs, and thus effectively created new "titles" of nobility that were ranked above mere members of the baronage without such distinctions.  
  
−
As the aristocratic social structure evolved, bodies of nobility were able to demand certain rights and privileges be respected by the king, including the approval of proposed taxation and the right to give counsel on certain classes of legal decisions and war. As the nobility continued to evolve, the concept of nobility being tied exclusively to land-tenure began to change as well, as members of other social classes and backgrounds became more prominent in the social fabric and it was found desirable to have their input at various meetings of parliamentary bodies before the king. Initially as a corollary consequence of summons to such parliaments (i.e. by definition to sit in parliament, one had to be a member of the baronage), and later by direct patent of the sovereign, kings began to create nobles of varying ranks as they chose for their own purposes, and barony by land tenure began to fade into the background, the dignity of nobility inhering within the individual rather than the land held.  
+
As the aristocratic social structure evolved, bodies of nobility were able to demand certain rights and privileges be respected by the king, including the approval of proposed taxation and the right to give counsel on certain classes of legal decisions and war. As the nobility continued to evolve, the concept of nobility being tied exclusively to land-tenure began to change as well, as members of other social classes and backgrounds became more prominent in the social fabric and it was found desirable to have their input at various meetings of parliamentary bodies before the king. Initially as a corollary consequence of summons to such parliaments (i.e. by definition, to sit in parliament one had to be a member of the baronage - thus the ''"Writ of Summons"'' served as sufficient proof of claim), and later by direct ''"Letters Patent"'' of the sovereign, kings began to create nobles of varying ranks as they chose for their own purposes, and barony by land tenure began to fade into the background, the dignity of nobility now inhering within the individual rather than the land held.  
  
−
In later times, a new social distinction of the highest level among the ranks of the gentry, or untitled nobility, arose known as the "Baronet", or "little baron". Members of the "Baronetcy" were not Barons, nor were they generally considered "Peers" or proper titled nobles, but rather the highest rung of the Untitled Nobility or Gentry, essentially an "Hereditary Knighthood" belonging to its own class outside the Chivalric Orders and at the same time standing above the Orders.  
+
In later times, a new social distinction among the highest levels of the ranks of the ''gentry'', or ''untitled nobility'', arose known as the ''Baronet'', or ''"little baron"''. Members of the "Baronetage" were not Barons, nor were they generally considered "Peers" or proper titled nobles, but rather the highest rung of the Untitled Nobility or Gentry, essentially an "Hereditary Senior Knighthood" belonging to its own class outside the Chivalric Orders and at the same time standing above the Orders.  
  
−
The term "[[Baronet]]" was revived in the [[Third Imperium]] under [[Emperor]] [[Artemsus]] upon the establishment of the [[Domain]]s and the creation of the High Landed [[Archduke]]s.  The [[Baronet]] title was introduced explicitly as a title (along with [[Knight]]hoods and later (in some instances) Lesser [[Baron]]s) that could be granted by Domain Archdukes in order to create personal retainers for their own needs. While some consider the [[Baronet]]s of the modern Imperial social structure to be included among the Untitled Nobility as "Hereditary Senior [[Knight]]hoods" for historical reasons (and thus members of the [[Imperial Gentry]]), [[Baronet]]s within the [[Third Imperium]] are more properly a type of junior [[Baron]] and thus belong to the [[Baronage]]s rather than independent Baronetcies. Nevertheless, [[Baron]]s as a whole do not belong to the Imperial [[Peerage]], but rather only the Landed Imperial [[Baron]]s are numbered among that body, with Landed Imperial [[Baronet]]s being accorded voting right within the [[Moot]] in order to represent their associated worlds as a courtesy while otherwise not officially being accounted members of the [[Peerage]].
+
The term "[[Baronet]]" was revived in the [[Third Imperium]] under [[Emperor]] [[Artemsus]] upon the establishment of the [[Domain]]s and the creation of the High Landed [[Archduke]]s.  The [[Baronet]] title was introduced explicitly as a title (along with [[Knight]]hoods and later (in some instances) Lesser [[Baron]]s) that could be granted by Domain Archdukes in order to create personal retainers for their own needs. While some consider the [[Baronet]]s of the modern Imperial social structure to be included among the Untitled Nobility as "Hereditary Senior [[Knight]]hoods" for historical reasons (and thus members of the [[Imperial Gentry]]), [[Baronet]]s within the [[Third Imperium]] are more properly a type of junior [[Baron]] and thus belong to the [[Baronage]]s rather than independent Baronetages. Nevertheless, [[Baron]]s as a whole do not belong to the Imperial [[Peerage]], but rather only the Landed Imperial [[Baron]]s are numbered among that body, with Landed Imperial [[Baronet]]s being accorded voting rights within the [[Moot]] in order to represent their associated worlds as a courtesy while otherwise not officially being accounted members of the [[Peerage]].
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 14:17, 29 October 2025

Imperial-Sunburst-Sun-Navy-wiki.png

The term Baronage as used within the Imperial Nobility refers to the collective body of all Barons and Baronets swearing allegiance to a particular feudal overlord. The Baronage generally falls between the Imperial Gentry and the Imperial Peerage in precedence, although it overlaps the latter body.


Description[edit]

The body of Baronets and Barons created by a particular feudal overlord constitute the "Baronage" of that overlord's realm of authority. Baronets, and in some instances Barons, are created by both Archdukes and the Emperor within the Third Imperium.[1] There are thus a total of eight Baronages: one for each of the seven Domains associated with the Archdukes that oversee them, as well as the Imperial Baronage associated with those Barons and Baronets created directly by the Emperor as Emperor.

Baronet is a special form of Baron normally awarded by an Archduke of one of the Domains of the Imperium, though they may also be created by the Emperor directly as Emperor as an "Imperial Baronet". Baronets rank below Barons in seniority and precedence.[2] Barons can be created and assigned by either the Iridium Throne or, in some parts of the Imperium, by the Archdukes of Domains [1]. Those Barons created by an Archduke are officially ranked below those created by the Emperor, but are usually recommended for Imperial appointment[1]. They are not normally considered to be Peers in the Imperial Moot, though they may have voting rights in more regional Domain assemblies.

Local Planetary Nobility who are world-rulers are sometimes granted a Barony associated with their world if they do not possess a higher Imperial title of their own both as a courtesy and in order to give them a stake in the ruling of the Imperium, and non-ruling Local Nobility are sometimes granted a Baronetcy in order to grant them some measure of off-world prestige. Senior Imperial Admirals and Generals are also often granted the honor title of Baron without a fief or duties if they achieve their rank without having acquired any other title, whereas lower-ranking "fighting Admirals" are often made Baronets.

History & Background[edit]

Historically, the term "Baronage" arose in the Ancient Anglic dialects (or English) in the Western Eurasian region of ancient pre-Industrial Terra to refer generically to those landowners and warlords who held and owned land outright as opposed to holding it by grant from another, with the exception only of the King who by right was the overlord of all lands by definition. The term "Baron" was thus in origin not a title, but a general class descriptor of social position, regardless of the amount of land or prestige held, the holders being simply referred to as a "Hlaford" from ancient "Hlaf-weard" ("Loaf-warden", or "defender of the granary"), later worn down into the term "Lord". All "Lords" were thus members of the Baronage, great and small, holding their position by land-tenure. Certain positions of authority (such as "Earl" or "Comes" (Count) - the title for the Governorship of a Royal City - and his lieutenant, steward, and overseer of judicial affairs, the "Vice-Comes", or "Viscount" (called a "Sheriff" or "Shire-reeve" - from a "Reeve" or local official - in some localities) were Royal appointments that one need be a member of the Baronage in order to qualify for, but were otherwise non-hereditary, and not necessarily life-appointments. As time wore on, ambitious members of the baronage were able to effectively secure hereditary appointments to these positions for their heirs, and thus effectively created new "titles" of nobility that were ranked above mere members of the baronage without such distinctions.

As the aristocratic social structure evolved, bodies of nobility were able to demand certain rights and privileges be respected by the king, including the approval of proposed taxation and the right to give counsel on certain classes of legal decisions and war. As the nobility continued to evolve, the concept of nobility being tied exclusively to land-tenure began to change as well, as members of other social classes and backgrounds became more prominent in the social fabric and it was found desirable to have their input at various meetings of parliamentary bodies before the king. Initially as a corollary consequence of summons to such parliaments (i.e. by definition, to sit in parliament one had to be a member of the baronage - thus the "Writ of Summons" served as sufficient proof of claim), and later by direct "Letters Patent" of the sovereign, kings began to create nobles of varying ranks as they chose for their own purposes, and barony by land tenure began to fade into the background, the dignity of nobility now inhering within the individual rather than the land held.

In later times, a new social distinction among the highest levels of the ranks of the gentry, or untitled nobility, arose known as the Baronet, or "little baron". Members of the "Baronetage" were not Barons, nor were they generally considered "Peers" or proper titled nobles, but rather the highest rung of the Untitled Nobility or Gentry, essentially an "Hereditary Senior Knighthood" belonging to its own class outside the Chivalric Orders and at the same time standing above the Orders.

The term "Baronet" was revived in the Third Imperium under Emperor Artemsus upon the establishment of the Domains and the creation of the High Landed Archdukes. The Baronet title was introduced explicitly as a title (along with Knighthoods and later (in some instances) Lesser Barons) that could be granted by Domain Archdukes in order to create personal retainers for their own needs. While some consider the Baronets of the modern Imperial social structure to be included among the Untitled Nobility as "Hereditary Senior Knighthoods" for historical reasons (and thus members of the Imperial Gentry), Baronets within the Third Imperium are more properly a type of junior Baron and thus belong to the Baronages rather than independent Baronetages. Nevertheless, Barons as a whole do not belong to the Imperial Peerage, but rather only the Landed Imperial Barons are numbered among that body, with Landed Imperial Baronets being accorded voting rights within the Moot in order to represent their associated worlds as a courtesy while otherwise not officially being accounted members of the Peerage.

See also[edit]

Imperial Nobility

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

Imperial Nobility

The Imperial Household:
The High Nobility (Peerage):
The Peerage:
The Baronage:
The Gentry: Untitled Nobility & Genteel Commoners:

Third Imperium

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

Third Imperium


References[edit]

62px-Information icon.svg.png This article is missing content for one or more detailed sections. Additional details are required to complete the article. You can help the Traveller Wiki by expanding it.
This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
Retrieved from "http://wiki.travellerrpg.com/index.php?title=Baronage&oldid=978452"