Top Ten Titles Mistakes Made in Historical Novels

 

1.  Calling a duke "Lord X" or his wife "Lady X," or saying "my lord" or "my lady" to them.

2.  Calling a peer "Lord <Surname>" (or his wife "Lady <Surname>") when his title differs from his surname.

3.  Calling a peer "Lord <Firstname> <Surname>" or "Lord <Firstname> <Title>."

4.  Calling the wife of a peer "Lady <Firstname>" or "Lady <Firstname> <Surname>" or "Lady <Firstname> <Husband'sTitle>, e.g., Lady Sally Jersey.

5.  Giving a courtesy title to a peer's heir who is not also his son.

6.  Calling the son of a peer "Lord <Surname>."

7.  Calling the wife of the son of a peer "Lady <Surname>."

8.  Calling the daughter of a peer "Lady <Surname>."

9.  Calling the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl "Miss <Surname>."

10.  Calling the wife of the younger son of a duke or marquess "Lady <HerFirstname>."