Life Peer
Life peers are also known as life barons - there is no difference between the two designations. They were introduced into Parliament under the Life Peerages Act of 1958. This was an important Act for women, as it gave women the right to a seat in the House of Lords for the first time. Peeresses in their own right (ie hereditary peeresses) were not admitted as members of the House of Lords until 1963.
The wives and children of life barons enjoy the same styles and titles as the wives and children of hereditary barons, as do the children of life baronesses. The husbands of life baronesses, however, do not obtain any rank or precedence by virtue of their spouse.
As a result of the large number of life barons created by Tony Blair during his administration, the current number of life barons and life baronesses (over 750 and rising) outnumber the hereditary barons and baronesses (approx 448).
How to address a Baron and his Wife
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
|
Beginning of letter |
Dear Lord/Lady Poole |
|
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
|
Envelope |
The Lord/Lady Poole |
|
Verbal communication |
Lord/Lady Poole |
|
Invitation* & joint form of address |
The Lord and Lady Poole |
|
Description in conversation |
Lord/Lady Poole |
|
List of Directors or Patrons |
The Lord/Lady Poole |
|
Place card |
The Lord/Lady Poole |
|
Legal document |
The Right Honourable David Charles Baron Poole, The Right Honourable Kathryn Baroness Poole |
*Note that, traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.
How to Address...
