Ancient titles continue to impress the natives

Nov 7 2003 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

I have been called many things over the years. One of them is Anglo-Saxon in origin but nevertheless quite respectable.

It is an ancient title dating back to the Norman Conquest - that of Under Sheriff.

People appointed to this role have been around for over 1,000 years, at first helping High Sheriffs collect taxes, hunt criminals, raise armies and play a big part in trials and executions. Until the death penalty was abolished, we also had to witness hangings.

Nowadays my role is not quite as gory or, thankfully, as energetic. Under Sheriffs are solicitors and our duties revolve around the enforcement of judgements obtained in the High Court.

We do not enjoy the idiosyncratic perks of Freeman, or even get to wear a star badge, but we do help to keep the checks and balances of the legal system in good working order.

Ancient titles survive the centuries in a peculiarly British way. Although hereditary peers will soon be removed from the House of Lords, I reckon that hereditary titles will continue to exist for many more hundreds of years.

Indeed, as it is now possible to buy a hereditary peerage from ebay - the online auction house - it is likely that there will be many more Lords and Ladies in the future than there were years ago.

Hierarchies in society, as in business, appear to be remarkably resilient to change. My business meetings in China have a rigorous regard for ranking, with the most senior Chinese representative facing the main guest across the table. All others are seated according to their status.

Great care is taken in the detailed preparation of these meetings and the meticulous plans underline the value of the occasion.

British table etiquette can be eccentrically exact in its seating arrangements. I heard of a Lady who had invited many titled guests, including a Duke and Duchess, to a grand dinner. She had also asked the Aga Khan. When he accepted, Her Ladyship was perplexed as to where to seat him.

She consulted Debrett's Peerage, where she found this pearl of wisdom: `By his millions of followers the Aga Khan is regarded as a direct descendent of God. An English Duke takes precedence.'

* Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm.