Baronet

Baronet. This title, which is strictly hereditary, according to the limitations contained in each separate patent, was created by King James I. on the 22nd day of May, 1611, in order to raise money for the colonisation of Ulster. Originally the whole order was limited to 200 persons, and it was then intended that no further creations should be made, even for the purpose of filling up vacancies. But in the reign of King Charles II. the list was increased to the number of 888, and during the last four or five reigns the number has been unlimited, and the ancient qualifications are now dispensed with. The great rule, upon the institution of the order, was that none should be admitted but those who could prove descent from a grandfather at least on the father's side who bore arms and had a clear annual revenue from lands of £1,000; further, they were required to produce good proof that for quality, state of living and good reputation they were worthy of the honour, and the names upon the first list of baronets are all those of persons in every way highly respectable. A baronet upon his creation is required, under the terms of a royal warrant of King George III., to prove his armorial bearings, to which is then added the badge of Ulster - the bloody hand, - and to place his pedigree upon record at the College of Arms.

The order of baronets of Nova Scotia was first created by King Charles I. for the plantation and cultivation of the province of Novia Scotia in America, and the sum of £3,000 was the amount payable for this dignity. Since the legislative union between Great Britain and Ireland, the separate orders of baronets have been superseded by one general institution of baronets of the United Kingdom. Though officially styled "Dame," the wife of a baronet is always known and addressed by the title of "Lady." Dame Maria Bolles, of Osberton, in the county of Nottingham (in the reign of King Charles I.), is the only lady upon whom a baronetcy has ever been conferred.