The Britannic Order of St George

British Titles, Knighthood, Nobility and Peerages

St Georges Chapel, Windsor

British Nobility and Peerage

A member of the nobility is someone who has had a title conferred upon them by the Crown (HM The Queen) or whose forbears have had a hereditary title conferred upon them by the Crown. The Monarch is both the head of state and the ‘Fount of Honour’ in Great Britain.

Peers are traditionally entitled to sit in the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the British Parliament.

However new laws mean that most hereditary Peers no longer sit in the House of Lords and those becoming titled nowadays may no longer pass the title to their heirs.

In times gone by, it was usual for lands and vast estates to be given to those newly ennobled by the Crown. Usually a reward for faithful service, such as supporting the King against rebels.

The system of honours was part of the feudal system and the Normans introduced knighthoods after their conquest of England in 1066.  Private honours, such as those awarded by the Order of St George form an integral part of the British system of Honours.

To become a knight, one must be awarded the membership of one of the various orders of chivalry which may be Royal in origin, or private such as the Order of the Black Ermine.