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 (approx 637) outnumber the hereditary barons and baronesses (approx 455).

How to address a Baron and his Wife

The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:

*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...

Widow of a Life Peer

Former Wife of a Life Peer

Sons of a Baron

Daughters of a Baron

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