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I probably still haven't grasped what peerage really entails. Wikipedia says:

The Baronetage of Nova Scotia (a British hereditary title, but not a peerage) had been devised by King James VI of Scotland in 1624 as a means of settling Nova Scotia. Except for Sir Thomas Temple, almost none of them came to Nova Scotia, therefore they are counted as British, not Canadian.

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    I now see that I should have researched more. But I was told (incorrectly) that, while in France pairs de France were rare, in England all nobles were peers. The question received negative rating. Should I delete it? It would destroy the answerer's high rated reply!
    – Ludi
    Sep 12, 2017 at 13:16
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    No, don't delete it.
    – KorvinStarmast
    Sep 12, 2017 at 13:42
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    Kind of the same way it is possible to be a person and not a rock; the definitions are mutually exclusive.
    – MCW ♦
    Sep 12, 2017 at 23:25
  • @MarkC.Wallace thanks, I understood it already.
    – Ludi
    Sep 13, 2017 at 6:26

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The ranks of the UK peerage are duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.

A baronetcy is an hereditary title awarded by the British Crown, and (with a couple of exceptions) is the only British hereditary honour that is not a peerage.

Baronetcies were originally introduced in England during the 14th century. They were used extensively by King James I/VI as a means of raising funds or incentivising other projects - like the settlement of Nova Scotia.

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    Note also that Peers could sit in the House of Lords, baronets were commoners and could only sit in the House of Commons if Elected.
    – eques
    Sep 12, 2017 at 14:20
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    Do (Duke) Men (Marquess) Ever (Earl) Visit (Viscount) Boston (Baron).
    – Pieter Geerkens
    Sep 12, 2017 at 19:11
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    @PieterGeerkens We had a similar mnemonic, except Baron was "Belfast" rather than "Boston". :)
    – sempaiscuba
    Sep 12, 2017 at 19:18

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