Duke or Earl? What’s the difference between the British titles?

With the success of TV shows such as Bridgerton, Downton Abbey and The Crown there has been more primetime attention on the ranking of British peerage titles. Questions such as is an Earl higher than a Lord? Does a Duchess outrank a Princess? Does a Duke beat a Viscount are popular search terms when the programmes are being shown.

They might seem confusing but it is actually very simple, as there is a ranking system for peerage titles in Britain.

There are only five significant ranks of peerage. In order of significance they are: Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount and Baron. 

So to put it into a modern day context, the Duchess of Hastings, who was the main focus of the first series of the TV show Bridgerton, outranks her brother, the Viscount of Bridgerton, because she married the Duke of Hastings.

The Official Rankings:

Dukes and Duchesses: were originally of sovereign status (King or Queen) but became peerage titles in the 14th century. The first person to receive a dukehood who was not of sovereign status or related to the royal family was the Duke of Suffolk in 1448.

Marquess and Marchioness: This title caused upset when it was introduced by Richard II in the 14th century as its new rank offended earls who had been the second ranking peerage title until that point. 

Earl and Countess: A title with a long and evolving history, before King Canute (994 – 1035) the role of an ‘ealdorman’ was to look after a shire or province for the king. This role evolved under a succession of Kings and conquests until becoming under Richard II, either a life creation or hereditary title. 

Viscount and Viscountess: If England had not won the 100 years war this title might not exist in British peerage. King Henry VI was who crowned King of England and France as a result of winning, wanted to consolidate the titles of the countries. Viscounts originally had status in both countries.

Baron and Baroness: This is the most ‘common’ peerage title – there are over 400 barons in Britain. The origin of the phrase is related to people who held land and were summoned by Royal Command to attend an early form of Parliament. The most ancient barony in England is Baron de Ros which was created in 1264.


At Storied Collection we love the history of our partner properties and their families and we presently have homes available for exclusive private hire owned by a Duke (Dabton House), an Earl (Knowlsey Hall), a Viscount (Mapperton House) and not to mention a Sir (Gilmerton House) and a Lord (Carlton Towers) and like King Henry VI we will shortly be expanding into France. So you can live your real life Duke and Duchess for the weekend dreams.