OF

DIGNITY AND PRECEDENCE.

CONTAINING

A Series Ordinum,

TABLE OF PRECEDENCY,

AND CHAPTER

ON

ARMORIAL INCIDENTS, HONORARY STYLES,

AND

CHIVALROUS INSIGNIA.

LONDON:

THOMAS BOSWORTH, 215 REGENT STREET.

1849.

"If baseness be exalted, do not bate

The place its honour for the person's sake: The shrine is that which thou dost venerate, And not the beast that bears it on his back."

PREFACE.

THE recent appearance in the City of a little work entitled "WHO'S WHO?" has suggested the publication of this brochure to show in matters of dignity and precedence, "WHAT'S WHAT." Upon questions of civil and political nobility, courtesy styles, heraldic incidents, &c., there still prevails in Society great and general misapprehension. The author flatters himself that these few pages will be found to contain multum in parvo upon the points referred to. And the brochure will serve the purpose intended if it shall enable such future Prince Puckler Muskaus as may come to England and publish a book of gossip to pay their travelling expenses, to understand that they do not confer an honour upon a House of low rank" when they happen to dine at a Baronet's table; that it