Nobility Articles
Aristocratic Lifestyles of Colonial India
India has always been a nation of contrasts. Throughout history, there has been a spectrum of social orders and hierarchies, ranging from the stupendous wealth of the Maharajas, Nizams and Nawabs to the everyday peasant workers and the poorer members of society. The...
Notable Noblewomen of Medieval Times
The Middle Ages were a period of great historic interest, with dramatic upheavals and transformations across the entire spectrum of civilised life, including politics, culture, agriculture, social orders and all aspects of daily living for all classes. Even the...
Aristocratic Families of the Renaissance
The Renaissance era is undoubtedly one of the most richly fascinating periods of history. With world-changing advances in science, politics and the arts, shifts that spread across the entire globe, this was a time of great change, but also a time of great improvements...
The Lifestyles of Nobles in the Middle Ages
The centuries of the Middle Ages, generally regarded as the period between the 5th and the 15th century, is one of the most captivating eras of European history. This enchanting epoch conjures up images of chivalrous knights in gleaming armour, fighting courageously...
The Lifestyles of Renaissance Nobles
After the centuries of feudal life and territorial battles that defined the Middle Ages, the Renaissance heralded a shift to the finer aspects of human existence. A new world of culture and politics emerged from the medieval period, one that celebrated art,...
The Top 3 Royal Palaces in France
During the early Middle Ages, as the social systems and hierarchies were evolving around the world, the rulers and leaders of the various kingdoms would usually inhabit a fortress-like building, such as a castle, fort or citadel. These would be highly functional...
5 Types of Palaces for Royals & Aristocrats
The common definition of a palace is that it is the grand home or headquarters of a king, queen, or head of state. A palace can also be the residence or administrative centre for religious leaders, such as the lavish ecclesiastical command posts of Europe that were...
The 10 Most Beautiful European Palaces
Throughout the ages, sovereigns, monarchs, royal families and political leaders have established their grand homes and residences around the world, staking their claim on their territories, and attempting to display to the world the extent of their power, wealth or...
The 3 Most Beautiful Royal Palaces in India
India is rich with colour and history, with a fascinating past that still lives on in the country's buildings and architecture. Nowhere is this rich history more evident than in the exquisite and lavish royal palaces that still captivate and delight locals and...
What Were the Earliest Medieval Noble Ranks?
The system of noble ranks and aristocratic titles that we know today evolved largely throughout the centuries of the medieval era, with the more formal aspects developing during the later Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Although their power and social...
German Nobility Ranks
The nobility of Germany shares many of the traits and origins of the aristocratic systems of its European neighbours, such as France, Italy, Spain, Austria and England. Like them, the German nobility emerged in the Middle Ages and blossomed in wealth, power and...
Who Were the Dukes of Burgundy?
Of all the many colourful aristocratic dynasties and eminent noble families of the Middle Ages, one of the most fascinating and renowned is the legendary line of the Dukes of Burgundy. This ancient noble lineage has been a source of fascination and curiosity for...
How to Address Nobility & Royalty
The Importance of Etiquette The formalities most royal courts employ today are different to how things were in the past. Many formal vestiges of the royal courts and aristocratic systems of old are no longer observed as strictly as they once were – when a breach of...
5 Synonyms for Aristocracy & Nobility
The terms aristocracy and nobility are often used interchangeably these days, even though their original definitions and etymology do vary slightly. Both words give a sense of superiority, suggesting the air of an elite social class. As the hierarchies of society...
What is the Landed Gentry?
Throughout the history of social evolution, there are many references to a class known as the Landed Gentry. They appear in folk songs and fairy tales. They provide the plotlines and imposing mansions of Victorian novels. And in modern times, they grace our sumptuous...
How American Heiresses Saved England’s Noble Houses
In the fictional TV series, Downton Abbey, the character of Cora, the beautiful chatelaine of the estate, is an American heiress whose fortunes and million-dollar dowry played a key role in her marriage to the handsome Earl of Grantham. While the characters of Downton...
The Decadent Lifestyles of the Renaissance Noble Classes
Throughout history, the noble classes have been famed for their decadent lifestyles. The landed gentry are renowned for the vastness and splendour of their plush homes, estates, palaces and castles. Stories of wealthy aristocrats over the ages are rife with lavish...
Who First Offered Titles of Nobility For Sale?
King James I of England left an indelible mark on the history books, famed for a whole range of royal roles and historic connections. As the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, James was proclaimed King of Scotland during infanthood, and went on to become the first King of...
The Most Famous French Noble Houses of the Renaissance
The centuries of the Renaissance call to mind images of audacious opulence, lavish decadence, palatial properties, and rich living in the lap of luxury. Nowhere was this spectacular period played out more fully than in the French royal courts and palaces during the...
Who are the Wealthiest Modern Aristocrats?
Throughout the ages, the world's aristocrats and nobles have been renowned for their lives of luxury, privilege, and enormous wealth. Though the status and power of modern aristocrats may have waned in recent centuries as ancient systems have given way to republics or...