Although men were born to be Earls and Dukes 800 years ago, in The Royal Order of Chivalry these positions are earned. Baronets, Barons, Viscounts, etc. arise from the local Household as they grow in membership. All members begin as a lowly Page or Maiden and work their way up through the ranks until reaching Nobility, and eventually Peerage. The requirements below must be met in order for the Head of a Household, Shire or State Chapter to be granted tenure and title and to gain official recognition in the Realm:
1. Fiefdom
The head of a Household, Shire or State Chapter will be a Lord or Lady. They shall be addressed as “milord” or “milady” or “your lordship” or “your ladyship”.
The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 3 active members, and at least 1 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Fiefdom.
2. Manor
The head of this Household, Shire or State Chapter will be a Sheriff. They shall be addressed as “milord” or “your lordship”. They will be entitled to wear a gold fillet the width not to exceed ¾” of an inch.
The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 7 active members, and at least 4 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Manor.
3. Baronety
The head of this Household, Shire or State Chapter will be a known as a Baronet. They shall be addressed as “milord” or “your lordship”. They will be entitled to wear a gold coronet of 1 and ½” of an inch width. The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 12 active members, and at least 6 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Baronety.
4. Barony
The head of this Household, Shire or State Chapter will be known as a Baron or Baroness. They shall be address as “your Excellency”. They will be entitled to wear a gold coronet of 1 and a ½” inch width with eight 1” inch diameter silver balls or pearls spaced evenly around the perimeter.
The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 24 active members, and at least 12 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Barony.
5. Viscounty
The Household, Shire or State Chapter will be known as a Viscount or Viscountess. They shall be addressed as “your Excellency”. They will be entitled to wear a gold coronet of 1 and a ½” inch width with sixteen 1” inch diameter silver balls or pearls spaced evenly around the perimeter.
The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 48 active members, and at least 24 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Viscounty.
6. Earldom
The head of this Household, Shire or State Chapter will be known as an Earl or Countess. They shall be addressed as “your Excellency”. They will be entitled to wear a gold coronet of 1 and a ½” inch width with eight 1” inch diameter balls or pearls atop 3” tall spires spaced evenly around the perimeter with alternating strawberry leaves. The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 96 active members, and at least 48 of the members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Earldom.
7. March
The head of this Household, Shire or State Chapter will be known as a Marquis or Marchioness. They shall be addressed as “your Excellency”. They will be entitled to wear a gold coronet of 1 and a ½” inch width with four 1” inch silver balls alternating with four strawberry leaves evenly spaced around the perimeter.
The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 175 active members, and at least 90 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the March.
8. Duchy (Dukedom)
The head of this Household, Shire or State Chapter will be known as a Duke or Duchess. They shall be addressed as “your Grace”. They will be entitled to wear a gold coronet of 1 and a ½” inches in width with eight strawberry leaves evenly spaced around the perimeter.
The Household, Shire or State Chapter must have a minimum of 300 active members, and at least 150 of the listed members must be present at State Court for the formal recognition of the Duchy (Dukedom).
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