Understanding the Current Landscape of British Dukes: Ranks, Titles, and Land Holdings
As of the latest update in August 2023, there were 30 dukes in the United Kingdom. The title of duke ranks as one of the highest in the British peerage system and can be hereditary or created by the monarch. However, the number of dukes can change due to new creations or deaths, so it's worth checking a current source for the most up-to-date information.
The statement 'Oh come on. Everyone knows there were only 3 Dukes John Wayne. Ellington and the thin white and they're all dead' is a humorous and inaccurate exaggeration. One notable ducal title, the Duke of York, is often misunderstood; it doesn't mean there were 1,000 dukes named York. The title 'Duke of York' refers to different individuals across British history, notably the current holder, Prince Andrew, Duke of York. The confusion might arise from the idea that the title 'Duke of York' could denote a large number of dukedoms if many individuals held it, but this is not the case.
The Nature of Duchies and Their Land Holdings
Most duchies do not necessarily have land; rather, the land is often held in trust or entails. Inheritance of titles often comes with the promise of managing specific estates, but these estates are not the same as administrative regions. Family seats and estates may be inherited together with the title, and while there may still be some entailed estates, they are often replaced by settlement trusts for tax reasons.
One notable exception is the Royal Duchy of Cornwall, which is immensely rich and holds significant estate and financial interests. Another notable example is Blenheim Palace, which is held in statutory entail, meaning the title is inextricably linked to the property itself.
Royal Dukes and Land Holdings
There are currently 30 dukes in the UK, including royal dukes who have received a dukedom personally. If we include the King, who is also titled Duke of Lancaster and Normandy, the total rises to 31. However, the title 'Duke of Normandy' is not the same as the French dukedom and is held by different individuals. The title is split between the British Crown and the French, reflecting historical divisions between England and France.
The number of dukes can change for several reasons: when a male bloodline goes extinct, when a duke inherits another duke's dukedom, or when a duke becomes king and his previous titles are absorbed by the Crown.
Feudalism and Modernity in the Peerage System
Feudalism, the system that historically underpinned the British peerage, was abolished long ago. Today, dukes and duchies are largely symbolic and do not confer any political or administrative authority over the areas that bear the same name as their titles. For example, the Duke of Cambridge has no rule or authority over the city of Cambridge, neither symbolically nor practically. The same applies to other dukes.
There is, however, one notable exception: the Duke of Cornwall, who has some administrative control over the land specifically held by the 'Duchy of Cornwall'. The lands of the Duchy of Cornwall are managed by the Queen and passed on to the heir to the throne but do not extend to the broader county of Cornwall.
In summary, the landscape of British dukes is complex, with a mix of historical traditions and modern realities. The titles and land holdings are largely symbolic, with the land often held in trusts rather than by the individuals themselves. While the number of dukes can change, the titles themselves are enduring symbols of the British peerage system.