[MR] On Titles

[Vels inn Viggladi]

>Scripsit Justus de Tyre:
> > Did anyone in the Middle Ages ever become entitled for building a wooden
> > box?
>
>Perhaps not for that specific creative act, but for achievement in the
>arts, yes. Geoffrey Chaucer is a well known example.
>
> > Or receive a peerage for service?
>
>Thomas More comes to mind...
>
>Evan

I don't recall the name, but I believe Richard II had knighted his head 
cook.


Back to the point of the Grant of Arms in this discussion: there was a young 
French nobleman who, at one of the festive jousts that occured during a lull 
in the Hundred Years War, petitioned Charles VI to recognize his Grant of 
Arms before the court there. Not that he lacked the Grant inherently; but it 
was culturally important for his status to be recognized in such a way. 
Recognition of his particular status (or anyone's status thereabouts) was 
not only important for this noble's self-view, but also important to his 
political and social standing. Theoretically, had not the War been in a 
temporary (though seemingly long-lasting) end of aggression, this noble 
would have made effort to earn recognition at war.

In the *spirit* of this, Lordship/Ladyship/THL fits that continued need 
rather easily. In the closer detail, Baronies may bestow armigerous awards 
up to the AoA level, as may Principalities. But, only at the level of the 
King and Queen may grant or higher level awards be bestowed.
By the time most get to that level, they will already have arms, and that is 
in no way questioned. However, the recognition of the *Grant* of arms is 
bound with a higher status and reknown.

If fulfilling the spirit of an idea with a imperfect name isn't good enough, 
we should probably stop using the term 'Warlord' by the battle commanders, 
and start calling them Marshal... except that would cause another conflict 
that would need to be rectified....




Vels