Course:History 344 Nasty Families/Titles and Statuses/Peerages

James was constantly in need of additional revenues, and needed ways to raise this money without going through Parliament. One of the most controversial ideas was the sale of peerages. Many of the existing members of the peerage were outraged because they felt it cheapened their status, as well as gave titles to people who were undeserving.

The size of the Peerage increased dramatically under James and Charles. Before James took the throne the peerage had stayed constant at fifty-nine members. James would add sixty-five members to that number and Charles would add a further sixty-two members (1) During James’ Reign he sold 2600 Knights Bachelors, and 126 Knights of the bath, as Knighthoods were the cheapest title available for sale. (2)

Through James’ reign the price for a title would vary depending on the title. Earldoms could range anywhere from 4,000 pounds to 12,000 pounds. By 1618 the price for becoming a Baron was fairly standard; it would take 10,000 Pounds. (3) In 1624, Baron Haughton purchases an earldom for 5,000 Pounds, after buying his way into the Baron class for 10,000 pounds in 1616 (4) The early twenties proved a tough time for the sale of peerages, as there are very few appointments that can be linked to any payment to the Crown. (5) If you had the money you could buy your way into the peerage, at an entry level like the Baronet class, or a knighthood, up to Baronies, Earldoms and Viscounties.

(1) Charles R. Mayes, “the Sale of Peerages in Early Stuart England” The Journal of Modern History, Vol. 29, No. 1 (Mar., 1957), pp. 21-37 (2) Ibid. (3) Ibid. (4) Ibid. (5) Ibid.