Widow of a Baron
The widow of a baron (or Lord of Parliament in the peerage of Scotland) is officially known as The Dowager Lady .......(unless there is already a dowager baroness in that family still living in which case the widow of the junior baron is known by her forename eg Elizabeth, Lady ............) .
In practice, many widows prefer to use their forename in place of 'Dowager'. If in doubt, use of the forename is recommended.
How to address the widow of a baron
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
|
Beginning of letter |
Dear Lady Poole |
|
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
|
Envelope |
The Dowager (or Barbara) Lady Poole |
|
Verbal communication |
Lady Poole |
|
Invitation |
The Dowager (or Barbara) Lady Poole |
|
Description in conversation |
Lady Poole, The Dowager (or Barbara) Lady Poole |
|
List of Directors or Patrons |
The Dowager (or Barbara) Lady Poole |
|
Place card |
The Dowager (or Barbara) Lady Poole |
|
Legal document |
The Right Honourable Barbara Baroness Poole |
If the present holder of the Barony is unmarried, the widow of the previous Baron does not use the term of either The Dowager Lady Poole, or Barbara, Lady Poole, but continues to be known as The Lady Poole.
