Nobility
The noble classes in Ireland were usually people of special privileges and social class. The title of nobility was granted by the crown or it was inherited. British nobles have a very well defined order. The highest ranking is called peers and they hold titles such as duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron. The gentry is the next level of nobility and these include ranks such as knights, baronet, esquire, and gentleman. Both peers and gentry are entitled to coats of arms.
The most notable source of peerage is Burkes' Peerage Limited which offers well documented lineages of British nobility.
