What’s a Baron?

The noble title of Baron is one of the most ancient ranks from the historic system of aristocracy. Originating in the early Middle Ages, this noble rank is rich with history, intrigue, and social eminence. Yet, the role and title of Baron is not always as well-known as some of the other eminent aristocratic titles, such as Duke, Count, Viscount, and Lord etc. 

So, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the ancient noble title of Baron – a historic rank that is still highly relevant and infinitely fascinating today. 

What is a Baron? 

Baron is a title within the traditional system of nobility. It is one of the oldest nobility titles, dating back to medieval times. In contemporary society, the title of Baron holds an esteemed position within the modern aristocracy, ranking above that of a Baronet, a Knight and a Lord. 

What is a Barony? 

A Barony is the name given to both the status of a Baron, i.e. his official rank and title, and the physical land or property included with the role. In this way, when people speak of a Barony, they may refer to the title or the estate, which reveals a little about the history of aristocratic titles, when the rank and the property were part of the inheritance or a grant from a monarch. 

Are Barons Rich? 

Like many titled aristocrats, many of the Barons of the ages have historically been wealthy. They often possessed great estates that included lucrative rights, sources of income that swelled their fortunes even further. 

However, it does not follow that holding the title of Baron guarantees riches. History has known a great many noble families that fell upon hard times. The title of Baron itself does not indicate a particular level of wealth. The riches of the noble classes usually came from inherited wealth, which increased over many generations, along with generous donations from monarchs in the form of vast estates and magnificent houses. 

Are Barons Royal? 

The traditional rank of a Baron has historically been part of the elite social class known as the aristocracy. This social group, also referred to as the nobility, is regarded as the class ranking just below that of royalty. By this definition, a Baron title is a noble or aristocratic rank, rather than a royal title. 

Throughout history, however, the worlds of royals and nobles have shared close proximity. Many noblemen and women would spend time in the royal courts, often becoming favorites of the kings, queens, and their families. As a result, many marriages crossed the boundaries between royal and noble, resulting in descendants that had heritage from both groups. 

This would create scenarios in which a man may inherit a noble title, such as a Baron, yet his mother may be a royal princess or even a queen. On these occasions, a Baron may be regarded as a member of the royal family, and his family may even be included in the line of succession. 

Similarly, the royals of the ages have customarily granted noble titles to their children or family members as courtesy titles. In this way, a royal prince may also hold the title of Baron. This is the case even in modern times, with Prince William, heir to the throne of Great Britain, also holding the title of Baron Carrickfergus. 

Outside of these royal and noble overlaps, however, a Baron title is largely regarded as a noble title, rather than a royal rank. 

Is Baron a High Rank? 

The title of Baron is undoubtedly one of the most ancient and historic, yet in terms of the traditional aristocratic hierarchy, it is not the highest rank. 

The conventional system that is accepted as the order of European noble ranks is as follows: 

As this list demonstrates, Barons rank below Dukes, Marquesses, Counts and Viscounts, and above Baronets. Knights and Lords. 

Can Anyone Become a Baron? 

In theory, yes – anyone (male) can become a Baron, because even in the modern era, there are a number of ways to acquire a Baron title. 

The first way, and the most historically relevant route in the realm of aristocrats and nobles, is to inherit the title. If there is a barony in your family lineage, even through remote ancestors, it’s possible that you could be or become a legitimate heir to a Baron title. As you can imagine, though, this route is a very limited option, especially as many hereditary baronies are becoming extinct. 

A second option for becoming a Baron is to be granted the title as an award of recognition or favor from a reigning monarch. Like most official titles of aristocracy throughout history, only the sovereign of the relevant country can select who receives a new aristocratic rank. In the modern world, it’s possible for a Prime Minister to recommend you for a title, yet the final decision remains with the monarch, or whoever has the authority to grant noble ranks. This option is a possibility for those who have devoted their lives in service of a worthy cause or enterprise, usually one that benefits society, culture, the environment, or humanity as a whole. 

Can You Buy a Baron Title? 

A third way to become a Baron is to purchase a genuine title from one of the few authentic sources available today. This is a bona fide route to joining the ranks of the nobility, yet it’s one that few people know about. 

The practice of purchasing a noble title is nothing new, it has been a feature of the aristocracy for centuries. Many nobles of the past have opted to sell their land, estates, rights, ranks or titles, for a variety of reasons. On some occasions, the reason to sell may be due to the lack of a legitimate heir. Selling the title is one way to ensure the lineage doesn’t become extinct, which would be preferable to many families who value the historic heritage associated with the title. 

Others may have chosen to capitalize on their inherited status in order to raise funds. Even monarchs have been known to make transactional offers of noble titles in return for boosting the royal coffers. 

Whatever the reasons, there is nothing unusual about purchasing a title, and the good news is that some Baron titles are still available to buy today.