Barons and their Wives

The guidelines set out in this page apply to hereditary and life barons and Lords of Parliament in the peerage of Scotland and their wives,

The fifth degree of the Peerage, baron is always referred to, both verbally and in correspondence, as Lord (Poole) rather than Baron (Poole). The title baron is never used, except in formal or legal documents.

In the peerage of Scotland, the fifth grade of the peerage is a Lord (Lord of Parliament) in any case.

Ecclesiastical, ambassadorial and armed forces ranks precede a baron's rank in correspondence. For example, Major-General the Lord........'.

The wife of a baron is known as Lady (Poole).

A number of baronies can be inherited in the female line and there are a large number of female life baronesses.

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 and 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.