09/01/2026
Our Founder, Nathan, loves sharing interesting facts and stories from the Cotswolds. Today, he’s sharing an insight into British Aristocracy, which can be confusing, even for us Brits!
We have a few aristocrats living in the Cotswold which makes perfect sense; it is the UK’s largest and most famous Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, after all.
The nearest aristocratic manor estate to our office is The Bathurst Estate, incorporating Cirencester Park, which is the family home of the Earl of Bathurst.
The current Earl is the ninth successful succession, having inherited the title, the house, the land and ALL of its associated wealth from his father upon his death in 2011.
Did you know that the title of ‘Duke’ is the highest tier of British Aristocracy? The complete hierarchy is as follows:
Duke
Marquess
Earl
Viscount
Baron
This is why many male members of the Royal Family are also Dukes, and their wives, Duchesses.