What is Aristocracy? Defining the British Aristocracy, Gentry and Good Society

[@ediefolta9494]

You should go back further and talk about how much of the land owned by the British aristocracy was distributed to them when Henry VIII broke from the Catholic church, seized all church property such as monasteries and their land, and distributed it to his political allies. Many aristocratic grand houses had the ruins of a monastery on their property, or the manor house was built on the site of the former monastery.

[@johnshields3658]

Some people had and distributed in this manner (often 'abbey' stayed in the name), but in any case one is talking about delineated estates that existed as units before, and still exist as units.

[@etaylor495]

I live near a former lord's estate with a ruined priory.

[@sd-ch2cq]

That's an interesting example of how most nobility was really not as old as they liked to portray themselves as (renaissance, not medieval). And new waves of aristocrats always kept coming, f.i. when colonial money poured in. In western europe the napoleontic wars were the last big wave. After that power shifted from holding mostly land to holding mostly money.

[@yanan4249]

Wow, that's interesting!

[@SusanLH]

Understanding the ruling structure of England as the backdrop to literature is really important. I hadn't thought about how the gentry and aristocracy infiltrated and dominated, and certainly hadn't thought about the lower house (rotten boroughs and youngers sons is one element and I'm sure there's a book by Anthony Trollope that explores this). Another way to understand the impacts of this control is through the acts of enclosure during the 18th and 19th centure which allowed the land of small tenant farmers to be amalgamated into larger, more productive holdings. Hello, dispossesed people flooding larger cities and becoming part of the industrial revolutions labour force (working class in the north being part of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South) as well as emigrating to America, Canada and Australia. I also thought of one additional way the aristocracy dominated power, and that was through filling the leading positions of the day, for example, who we now understand as the prime minister eg Lord Melbourne was the first Prime Minister of Queen Victoria.

[@glendodds3824]

In commentary on British society some people draw a very sharp distinction between the nobility and the gentry but, thankfully, Ellie does not make that mistake. The gentry have always been part of the upper class and thus have sometimes married members of the nobility. Moreover, three of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour and Catherine Parr were born into gentry families and all three of them were partly of noble descent.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Regency era in England is interesting since while all these old traditions of aristocracy were still in place it’s still already in 19th century and the modern democratic ideals from US and French Revolutions are around, first industrial Revolution has already happened, imperialism is soon going full steam with its issues but also opening the world etc. So when we read something like Austen the world might seem static but huge waves of change are happening, s expecially in Europe. But you can see it something like Bingleys family made their family money in trade and that would be increasingly in common. Elizabeth’s children probably would benefit more in investing in businesses than land, and that would be expecially true for her grandchildren’s generation.

[@SebastianGrimthwayte]

Thanks for going all the way back to Aristotle. This was a really cogent, concise summary. I feel that I have been missing this overview and learned a lot. It helped me make connections that I never knew I was missing. It explains the background, but I’m still surprised when I read, even in Agatha Christie, that the local landowner-into the 20th century-is a magistrate! Consolidated power and, uh, given that even the so-called Labor party draws leaders from the so-called “public” schools, it continues to this day.

[@EllieDashwood]

😃 Aw, thank you! I’m so glad it’s helpful! And old habits definitely die hard 😂

[@torybruno7952]

Great video. Minor detail that I’ve always found interesting about commissions in the military: Cavalry and Infantry commissions were purchased (and sold - kind of like trading up houses), but naval and artillery officers were considered “technical” roles and commissions were not sold, but had to be qualified for via formal testing, examination boards, and seniority.

[@pvp6077]

Ahh, that's why the Navy was known for "bringing men of unknown birth out of obscurity" or something to the effect

[@04nbod]

That is the best explanation of the Church of England I have ever heard.

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

Great video! A couple things I would like to point out is that this was not limited to England or the 19th century. In America we had the same thing going on with slightly different wording. Rather than landed gentry we had plantation owners, often called "gentleman farmers." We also had a great big social network called the Freemasons. Men were dying to get in, not because they thought it ruled the world, but because of all the influential men that were already members. If you wanted to hobnob with the social elite then the Freemasons were your ticket in. The masons was full of business men, gentleman farmers, high ranking military officers, judges, you name it. If you wanted your kids to "marry well" you got into the masons and introduced your kids to their kids. Getting into the masons wasn't all that easy. Membership in the Freemasons was, and still is, by invitation only so you had to know or be known by some Freemasons already. People putting themselves in a position to be noticed by known, or suspected Freemasons was common. In a way Freemasonry was the aristocracy of the early United States.

[@TJAllenwood]

Great explanation. I have read extensively on this. So many influences from Anglo Saxon, to the Danes, to the French that helped to establish the system of the English aristocracy.

[@EllieDashwood]

Thanks!

[@karun_vv7190]

I am reading Pride and prejudice, this will help me out with more understanding of the novel.

[@EllieDashwood]

Great! I’m glad it helps!

[@danaellerajohnson2674]

I’m so glad I have found out your channel ! I’m learning so much, thank you !

[@seanreynolds516]

Appreciate your brief summary of the genesis of the term aristocracy, urge additional info on the martial origins of royalty & aristocracy. Will add much elucidation to viewers concerning both classes.

[@glendodds3824]

As you say, the House of Commons was full of people from wealthy backgrounds. Indeed, in Jane Austen's time members of parliament did not receive a salary and got their money from other sources, including their country estates.

[@KatePapaDrama]

Love all these videos ❤. I don't mean to bore anyone or annoy with technicalities but Aristocracy comes from the Greek words Aristos= excellent and the verb kratO= hold. More or less. Aristolte's name is also (possibly) derived from this word. I'm not a linguist. Just a Greek. These words have the same meaning today. I believe the difference between Aristocracy and Meritocracy can be seen in the ancient Greek proverb "excellence in moderation".

[@EllieDashwood]

That’s super interesting! Thank you!

[@eurodelano]

Ah yes. Aristotle‘s Golden Mean of the virtues.

[@tigersinlondon2152]

such a good explanation!! also as a current british person, i can confirm that the House of Commons is /still/ mostly populated by rich sons whose families come from money xD

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

Absolutely but their new money and upper middle classes who are joining that institution.

[@thomgorman]

Thanks for the education.

[@mertmolina8312]

The legal policy of primogeniture is strongly intertwined with aristocracy. The eldest male inherited everything. The other children worked in ministry, military, government, or business. Primogeniture facilitated the birth of countries (basically estates of families who married). Without primogeniture (e.g., the US) the family dynasty usually ends by the 4rth generation.

[@kendalljennings3417]

Really comprehensive video, I’m baffled why it has so few views! I really like this detailed breakdown of how society was entirely dominated by the aristocracy.

[@callisastapp7160]

Haha that's bc most ppl forget what the internet was supposed to be for. Learning.

[@gextreme2381]

Because it's a terrible video that explains very little.

[@eddiealva4453]

Lovely explanation! Biggest thank you from Lima, Perú. Happy New Year!!

[@Lady_dromeda]

Probable stupid question, but is Dashwood your true last name, or just to show that you’re a Sense and Sensibility fan?

[@EllieDashwood]

That is good question! I’m planning on doing a personal Q&A video and will try to include this question in that. 😃 But short answer is it’s because everyone tells me that I remind them of Elinor Dashwood. Even though I don’t see it. 😂

[@princekrazie]

@@EllieDashwood I have a Q for the Q&A: Where do you learn all this stuff? Do you have a degree in History? Do you research on your own time?

[@ageofechochambers9469]

@@EllieDashwood fyi the term aristocracy = best of government is not what the british aristocracy is based on specifically it has had to transformed into that . Towards the 4th century of the Roman empire emperor Diocletian created a new class of administrative rank called duces ( dukes, doge , duce ) governments of their regions they were the judges , military leaders and representatives of the empire . The title was hereditary because the taxation was so heavy that many ppl who inherited this title would try to get out of that position but were forced to stay in that rank and fulfill that enforced obligation. That's why todays title is like that of roman times were its not by choice. The true ppl today who are like Roman senators or what Aristotle had in mind are the members of parliament in the house of commons ( non hereditary elected members ) in the earlier days these were called knights of the Shires ( representatives from different areas of uk after the 1620s most of these became hereditary baronets) the reason why the british aristocracy in its roots is not based on the aristotelian view of aristocracy is because these titles were given out from at least 1066 to 1264 to landlords purely for the reason of collecting taxes and providing arms or fighting men just like roman days . They in their majority did not have a say in the government policy like Roman senators. This role changed after 1264 were a official parliament was founded and members were given baronies ( completely based on the Roman empire standards of a lord) not 1 was chosen because they were well educated or had the right policy. Feudal lords or chieftains have existed throughout history but what separates the british aristocracy is that they had to provide arms and taxes to the crown ( not the job description Aristotle had in mind) and they were not required to be good in affairs of the state which goes against the name. After the 1500s the aristocracy started becoming patrons of arts and literature collecting art and building up large libraries something a roman senator might have done . In conclusion: from 1066 or prior to that in Normandy these were Feudal lords not pretending to be Aristotles aristocrats ( even though we call them that today) from 1066 to 1264 this continued with some attempts by lords to have a say in government ( like the magna Carta which stayed on paper) after 1264 they had the set up of parliamentary representatives but they were still the roman dukes who were there for money collection and providing arms based on the land they owned not intellectual abilities . After the 1500s it starts to transform into ppl getting into government based on their education and know how ( best of government) like sir thomas moore .

[@ageofechochambers9469]

FYI the dashwood family was a Satanist family

[@tedebayer1]

I love history, it amazes me to see how connections follow down over the ages and how even today things and attitudes are somewhat shaped todays world is even more amazing when you consider that I and most like me have descended from Royalty and Landed Gentry, but also from slaves, something that did not happen historically unless one was very very fortunate set of circumstance.

[@kendratimm7539]

Could you break down the differences between, Dukes, Earls, Barons, and Marquesses? Are they similar? I get really confused. I just found your channel and have been binge watching but don't know it you already covered this.

[@glendodds3824]

Hi. Dukes are the highest ranking members of the aristocracy. The second highest title is marquess and they are followed by earls, viscounts, barons and baronets. Moreover, all titled families marry people with higher or lower titles than themselves. For example, the 13th Duke of Argyll's mother is the daughter of a baronet and people from titled families also marry members of the landed gentry.

[@EllieDashwood]

Hi! I actually did a video all about them. You can find that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWGpe4h-qrqLhJI Also, welcome to the channel!! 😃

[@raedaily9854]

I don't think you can blame Aristotle for the English "aristocracy"...although his ideas may have had some effect in molding ideas used to excuse how powerful leading families were allowed to act. The various peoples who lived in what is now England have always had what might be called "leading families" which are sometimes called "nobility" by historians. But these are not to be confused with the "nobility" talked about here. These were ordinary people who rose to prominence due to leadership abilities that the other people agreed that they had. Often these abilities had to do with military, legal or trading prowess. But unlike the reality of "nobles" in Continental Europe, while decedents of current leaders could claim ancestral rights to lead, there was no real system keeping these families in power other than passing down their skills to their decedents. That is until William the Conqueror forcibly brought European castles and "nobility" to England. William used a system of castles that he and his men built to control the local populace and essentially take the rights they had to their land away from them. He then passed out the land of England to his favorite followers. After this, it was made illegal for anyone who wasn't a descendent of these "gifted" people to own land in England. This law lasted for a long time. Of course, these men who had come from Normandy didn't bring any wives with them, so many of the leading families in the British Isles made peace with these invaders by giving their daughters in marriage to the Normans...thus cementing these decedents of English mothers and Norman fathers in the "aristocracy". Any family who could hung on their land however they could. In fact, I have a personal example. One Ralph de Limisi was made "Baron of Oxburg" by William. Some years later when the Doomsday records were made, there was a family claiming land ownership due to being "cousins of de Limisi". In fact, the family styled themselves "Cuysn de Limisi" to cement their claim to what essentially was...and is still..an agricultural estate. Eventually the "de Limisi" was dropped, and their name was then "Cuysn" until by the time a descendent became a Puritan and moved to America, the name had evolved into "Cushing". The Barony went to the Lindsay family of Scotland. So how were these people "cousins" of some Norman lord? No one really knows. But their claim was acknowledged enough for "Cushing" to be inscribed on a chair in the House of Lords.

[@VeganDiyeBiri]

Great explanation Ellie thanks! The images you use makes the video so fun to keep going

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Thank you for explaining aristocracy. Could you be so good as to explain the development of honor culture, if you haven't done so already?

[@stiofanmacamhalghaidhau765]

your videos are just so damn consistently excellent. it is really, really hard to hit that sweet spot between trite/inaccurate on one side and overburdened with excessive detail on the other and you hit that time and again... and deliver it in such an accessible style. and cats. videos without cats automatically get docked 15% just because. hope your health is improving, I know all too well just how physical health can smush both thinks and energy.

[@mayamellissa]

I'm torn because my brain has this poking thing it's doing thinking that my questions might have helped lead to this video's making. But I'm pretty darn sure it is completely coincidental because I'm not that lucky to inspire anyone. Also your hair is perfectly acceptable! Hooray for the kitty!

[@EllieDashwood]

Aw! My hair and cat thanks you! And I am sure you’re completely inspirational! I can’t remember exactly what inspired this video because I recorded it probably about a month ago. And yeah, my memory is that bad. 😂 But your comments are always great!

[@mayamellissa]

@@EllieDashwood Thank you. This is usually where I put the gif from Invader Zim with Gir thanking the pizza guy as how much this reply affected me.

[@xochilguevara3429]

So we’ll done this!

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

The younger sons expecially going to church is what is so unseemly to me as a Christian. No actual faith and passion for the post required, just get your family to get a position and say what you are supposed to say. Now they did study and most still had some belief but the system was still very sad.

[@Furienna]

It became that way because any church would have a lot of influence back then. So it made sense that powerful families wanted connections within the church.

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

@@Furienna absolutely the Medici, Pazzi and other families in Italy joined to send one of their children to be pope or in connection to those religious services.

[@flux202]

I know near everything about the Aristocracy. But this video seemed like it might just be fun to watch.

[@arielklay23]

Question to you Ellie, my Scottish ancestors, the McCords, owned land in the Scottish lowlands, so would they have been considered gentry?

[@jac8313]

It never occurred to me that the term Aristocracy came from Aristotle😅

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Yes, but nobility is an idea much older and not connected to Aristotle.

[@mery5989]

😂😂 no it doesn't. I thought her sentence could be misunderstood that way. Ariosto just means better. his name means better purpose and aristocracy means better power

[@mery5989]

Aristo 😂autocorrect

[@stiofanmacamhalghaidhau765]

@@mery5989 to be exact, aristocracy means 'rule by the best of society'... tho 'best' of course being decided by those who rule society. ahem. today's show was brought to you by the letter P for propaganda and S for self-serving.

[@syedmohammadaanasfarukh890]

great video!!! man this is exactly the channel i was looking for given the topic you cover. Keep it up Ellie!

[@debbiesivertson817]

Thank you! Well done! 💕💕💕

[@anaia2360]

Looking forward to the next video you mentioned...

[@pricegrisham2998]

Technically, the Bennets, as landowners, were more socially acceptable to other landowning families such as Darcy, than the wealthy Bingley's, who were children of a wealthy merchant in the North. Mr. Bennet had 2,000 a year, which was not shabby, but had not been wise with his money.

[@vvr1791]

Dear Ellie, would you have suggestions of manuals or books for ladies around certain periods (from Georgian to Edwardian)? I really enjoy reading it but couldn't find much!

[@johnshields3658]

Lady Troubridge is the place to start, early 20th

[@vvr1791]

@@johnshields3658 Thank you ❤

[@daniellehutchinson5724]

I have been watching you channel for a long time and just ace the connection why your last name makes me laugh! Lord Dashwood from what a girl wants

[@callisastapp7160]

"I was reading this Georgian dating manual the other day" Only you, Ellie 😂

[@tat3179]

Hearing you explain how the British Aristocracy controlled all the levers of power explains why Karl Marx is so anti religion when he wrote his treatise for a Proletariat Revolution during the height of the Victorian era.

[@alexstafford7185]

i may play at being a refined, respectable lady but shit like this reminds me just how much of an anarchist i am lmao.

[@dingleberryridesagain3606]

Yes of course,my own family go back as far as the first lad that got up on his hind legs to announce the beginning of the Stickapopple lineage. Many were fine men who didn't mind a good rummage behind the arras. Attila the Hun was of course one of ours as was Dickie the Lionheart, Napoleon counted himself as a Stickapopple,,Einstein is another of our lineage,the Current Duke of York could quite easily be another connection,,Yes indeed we are the finest of the breed, the family crest oddly enough is a Goat,and our motto is" Go Go Stickapopple Go"

[@dewrock2622]

I think that aristocracy were the class of the people with titles. The land owners who didn't have a title like mr. Darcey were not a part of the aristocracy, they were the rich families that didn't have titles, the gentlemen. That's why Elizabeth bennet says to lady Catherine "he is a gentleman, I am a gentleman's daughter, in that we are equal", although they weren't equal in terms of wealth. Her family wasn't rich, they had no money for the girl's dowry etc... Mr. Bingley was a son of a merchant and that's how he got his fortune, he was not a part of the aristocracy...

[@meng2976]

I have to ask, were oldest sons expected to have a profession despite eventually inheriting their families land and fortune? Like Edward Ferrars, his mother and sister pressure him to choose a profession even though he is set to inherit and live off his family land, even bore he was disinherited?

[@EllieDashwood]

That’s a great question! I think the situation of Edward is super interesting because his family’s desire isn’t so much that he has a profession as much as they want him to be “distinguished.” And certain professions like being in parliament or the army could do that. Basically, they want him to seen as a great man of some sort and be talked about. But when he doesn’t want to do that, it’s preferred he do nothing rather than go into a less distinguished job like that church. Since ultimately, him having a profession would have been all about social climbing instead of actually about making money. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I hope that helps. 😂 And also as a side note, sometimes oldest sons who were set to inherit a seat in the House of Lords would serve in the House of Commons while their fathers were alive. Just again, trying to exert that influence in politics and build a name for themselves.

[@meng2976]

@@EllieDashwood aaah that clears things up! Thank you for the explanation - I finished the book recently and got to watch the film today, so it's a question I've had fresh in my mind. Thank you so much!

[@duffypratt]

@@meng2976 There were only a few acceptable professions for the elder son - basically Parliament and the military. The church was OK for younger sons. The law and medicine were decidedly pushing it for anyone. Amateur professions were fine - science, letters, music, sport. Just as long as making money was not the goal.

[@matthewbarratt6145]

@@EllieDashwood If the father had multiple titles then the son would sometimes be permitted to use one of the lesser titles and serve in the House of Lords. The last Regency Prime Minister, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, had sat as Baron Hawkesbury while the 1st Earl was still alive.

[@jhb61249]

The USA (and other countries) adapted to the British system in many ways, at least superficially, or otherwise.

[@KISMET]

Hi! Can you also discuss about maid of honour? Are they the same as lady in waiting?

[@Theindianreporter098]

Is knight also an aristocratic job

[@whitneysanders6996]

Can you do a video about their military. Ex. Malitia vs what col. Fitzwilliam was in.

[@etaylor495]

Ellie's channel seems more focused on social topics of the era. If you want to learn about the Georgian era military search up Brandon F. on KZbin.

[@RichardWarkenCanha.]

6:12 Interesting that the definition of a common is anyone who is not a peer of the realm, so children of nobles, younger children of Lords could sit in the House of Commons. Not infrequently the nobles used their money, power and influence so that their children won seats in the Commons.

[@reveranttangent1771]

So, by social connections they meant, at least partially, support network.

[@Cat_Woods]

More like an old boys' network.

[@gingerbaker4390]

A commoner is a person without a royal title. The prime minister is commoner. Hence the house of commons.

[@seanreynolds516]

House of Commons refers to the jurisdiction of the lower house, not commoners. An easy mistake to make though.

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

@@seanreynolds516 landed gentry was actually commoners as new money families had 4 generations wealth mixed with fallen old lower nobility daughters and younger sons. Like David Cameron and now boris Johnson recently being old money landed gentry.

[@seanreynolds516]

@@KINGCABA-if4nk Thanks very much for your info, consider though it is The House of Commons, not commoners. In British history, if we are to be strict, non-royals are commoners. It is for this reason that Lady Diana from the old aristocratic Spencer family, was referred to as a commoner. If a Duke is of royal extraction, he is truly royal by blood. The irony of this situation is that the titled people in the upper house, are actually titled commoners. Until relatively recent times, British heirs to the throne, could only marry royals. Even Queen Elizabeth's mother from Scotland, was unroyal and therefore a commoner despite her aristocratic pedigree.

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

@@seanreynolds516 your welcome but aristocracy isn’tconsider common as come the nobility (dukes etc) and royalty. But below nobility is the landed gentry are commoners which was still old money from non titled and mixed of fallen daughters and younger sons mixed with 4 generations wealthy new money family becoming truly old money upper class. Anne Boyle. Henry eights wives is apart of the landed gentry class in 16th century. That’s what you get wrong but. But otherwise your all right even royalty thought elizebeth Bowles like was uncouth due to being form nobility not foreign royal families. And Camilla park Bowles family is actually landed gentry and descended from new money 6 generations ago. So that was seen as too common for royalty, and her age, having sex with only 1 partner (her first husband) and connections as decedent of king George V as mistress was too much for them. So imagine Kate Middleton being nouveau riche background and Meghan markle being from essentially middle-middle class and mixed race (British colonialism & slave trade). There standard as superpower and empire they have and British classism and hierarchy to react the top.

[@alexlefay]

Ah. So that's why it's so hard to advance in life. Noted.

[@tootsla1252]

The Hereditary, non-Royal Dukes are dying out without male heirs. I think there are only 20/22 left.

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

Yes their a documentary about the remaining dukedom. But the growth of rising British super rich and build of the landed gentry like boris’s and David cameron’s of the world as their families was new money over 150 years ago. And asslimated to old money ways without titled. Old money bourgeoisie

[@Haru-nee]

I still use this as refrence to how British rule impacted my country.

[@xmin1560]

Gentry is not part of aristocracy. Landed gentry belongs to upper class, but definitely not part of the peerage system.

[@Albrecht87]

Reddit CEO brought me here by mentioning Land Gentry

[@riyasaini8471]

I wish when talking about the British people remember that this was the time the world was being colonized and enslaved. Often there is no mention where this position and power comes from.

[@jf2388]

Yeah, I think the same!

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

Exactly. Generational wealth for old money white families not just uk but across the western world (old & new world) usually somewhat comes from imperialism. Landed gentry was famous and some portions of the aristocracy.

[@MisterTutor2010]

Morally and intellectually superior? The why am I not in charge? :)

[@tinamagnuson2]

You would look cute with fringe

[@拜拜]

If you think the British aristocracy was lavish just look at how lavish the French ones were and the English will look simple 😭

[@Ad_Astra2023]

Great video. But I’d call British aristocracy a hypocritical bs. lol.

[@communicatingdoors]

I wish she wouldn't fry her vowels. It sounds so unattractive. She's confidents, so why not speak by letting enough air through the vocal cords?

[@valq10]

It's not correct to use the past tense. We still have aristocrats, inherited peerage and the like. They still are a key part of our government, whatever your opinion on that is (P.S. your opinion should be that it is terrible).

[@gextreme2381]

I've never watched a video that was supposed to explain something that didn't actually explain anything about the topic. Air quotes, references to books that nobody has read, "certain members", "those types", "all the other people" . No actual detailed explanation. Nothing learned