OK, Question about nobility and titles, PLEASE?

[Skywalker]

Hi all! I am hoping I have come to the right place, and I hope you don't mind me invading the UK boards for some help. I am wondering if someone could be so kind as to answer a question for me, as I am writing a book and I would like to get my details right. The situation is this:

I have a character who is an earl, let's call him William Smith, The Earl of Yorkshire (don't laugh). Anyway, it is not him I am too concerned with.

Now, the earl has a son, John. John has no other titles of his own or of his father's. What would John be properly called until he inherits the earl title? Is he Lord John? Lord Smith? Lord Yorkshire?

In addition, said son John is also a knight (yes, my book medieval), so would people address him as Sir Lord John? Lord Sir John? Lord Sir John Smith? Sir Lord John Smith? Just Sir John? or just Lord John??????????? Ack!

As you can see, I am hopelessly confused, and looking at numerous websites has only confused me so far!

So can any kind person clarify this for me?????

Thank you,
Sincerely a Canadian who has no clue,
Allison.

 

[Miss Mickey Mania]

As far as I know, the son of an earl is called a viscount - pronounced Vy (rhymes with eye) count.

For the knight part, sorry I don't know .

I'm not sure if this helps you at all, but it does all sound intriguing!

Louise

 

[ely3857]

Hiya

Yeap The son of an earl is traditionally known as a viscount. (which incidently is also a brand of biscuit!)

However....

You can call him Viscount John of Yorkshire Knight of whatever.

For example:

Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Charles The Prince of Wales & Duke of Cornwall etc etc etc

It really is a bit of a free for all I think. The main reason only 1 title would be used in day to day circumstances is because it would sound too pompus & daft to reel of a load but when doing official duties the full lot would be rolled out.



Jodie

 

[Skywalker]

Louise and Jodie, thank you so much! I just may be able to start piecing this together after all. So my man would be a Viscount. I like the sound of that!