Baronet

A baronet (abbreviation Bart.) is the holder of a title of honor (a baronetcy) invented by King James I in 1611 to raise funds. It is a hereditary title, but is not a peerage title.

A baronet is entitled to be knighted, and to have his eldest son that was born in wedlock knighted when the latter reaches the age of maturity.These rights, however, were questioned by kings beginning with George IV, who held that the past Sovereigns who created baronetcies could not bind future Sovereigns. The last recorded instances of these rights being exercised are in the 19th century.

Baronetcies, with a few exceptions, can only be inherited by, or inherited through, males.

Baronet is not a peerage title and does not disqualify the holder from standing for election to the British House of Commons. However since 1999 nor do hereditary peerages, so the distinction has become historical. British Baronets can be found in Burke's Peerage and Baronetage.

Some notable baronets:

• Sir George Cayley (Aviation pioneer)
• Sir Humphry Davy (Chemist)
• Sir John Parnell (Politician)
• Sir Robert Peel (Politician)