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Big Royal Dig

Royal Titles

The Marquess

Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath stands on the 10-metre tall wooden tower in the middle of his maze at Longleat Estate
Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of
Bath stands on the 10-metre tall
wooden tower in the middle of his maze
at Longleat Estate.
Photo: PA / EMPICS
The second ranking title and that usually held by the heir to a duke. A marquess is essentially a Norman introduction (based on the border lords, or Marchers) which was intended to add a layer of nobility in the feudal system which would include the responsibility of policing the state. The wife of a marquess is known as a marchioness.

Household Name: Most boxing fans have heard of the 9th Marquess of Queensbury who formalised the rules of the sport from backstreet hour long bloodbaths to fights restricted to three minute rounds. Another household name is the 7th Marquess of Bath, Alexander Thynn. A colourful character who inherited the Longleat House and Estate in 1992, he is a prolific painter and writer. His father, Henry, was also something of a groundbreaking personality when he was the first to open his estate to the public and establish a safari park.

The Earl

The title of earl is one of the oldest in the land. Now the third ranking title, it used to be the first under the king before the Norman invasion. The title is now commonly held in courtesy by the heir to a marquess. The wife of an earl is known as a countess.

Household Name: Charles Spencer is the 9th Earl Spencer and most well known for being the brother of Diana, the late Princess of Wales. He was formerly Viscount Althorp after the remarkable Althorp family Estate.

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