Status details for Barony

Status:Barony
Identifier:Bny
Number of units in system:
3  
Geographical Level: 9 (Middle-level District)
ADL Feature Type:countries, 3rd order divisions
Is a status within:Ancient District

Full Description:

A barony is historically the tenure (piece of land) given directly from the monarch to a man, thereafter called a baron, who has gained military or other 'honourable' prestige. The medieval barony was created through a writ of summons, directing the person to Parliament. Today baronies are created by letter patent, but the modern baronies are no longer directly related to land ownership. The Medieval baron had the administrative and judicial powers to govern his land and its occupants, though he remained a vassal of the King. There was no average size for the territory of a barony.