A female viscount is referred to as a viscountess. The title viscountess follows the standard rules of gendered titles in the British peerage system. Just as a male earl’s wife is called a countess and a male baron’s wife is called a baroness, the wife of a viscount holds the feminine form of his title.
Origins of the Title Viscountess
The title of viscount dates back to the late Middle Ages in England. It was originally a governmental position akin to a sheriff rather than a noble title. The word “viscount” comes from the Old French term “visconte,” meaning “vice count.” The viscounts were deputies who ruled on behalf of a count or earl.
Over time, the position evolved into an hereditary noble title ranking below an earl and above a baron in precedence. The first Viscount was created in 1440, and the peerage title remains in use today in the United Kingdom and its former colonies.
Just as the noble title viscount emerged, so too did the feminine equivalent. Wives obtained the viscountess title by marriage. An unmarried daughter of a viscount may use the courtesy title of “The Honourable.” Upon her father’s death, she does not inherit the viscountcy, which goes to a male heir.
How Viscountess Ranks in the Peerage
The British peerage system contains a hierarchy of nobility titles ranked in a specific order. While complex due to the accumulation of titles over centuries, the basic structure is as follows from highest to lowest:
- Duke/Duchess
- Marquess/Marchioness
- Earl/Countess
- Viscount/Viscountess
- Baron/Baroness
A viscountess holds the fourth highest rank in this peerage system, equivalent to her husband’s position as a viscount. Only duchesses, marchionesses, and countesses outrank a viscountess.
However, ranking becomes more complex when additional factors come into play. For example, an earl who is also a duke may outrank a duke who has no other titles. Some viscountesses may technically outrank a marchioness or countess based on the seniority of the creation of their husband’s viscount title.
Forms of Address
A viscountess is formally addressed and referred to as:
- “The Right Honourable The Viscountess [Husband’s territorial designation]” in writing
- “Viscountess [Husband’s last name]” in conversation
- “Your/Her Ladyship” in direct address
For example, if Jane Smith marries Viscount John Doe, who holds the viscountcy of Somewhere, she would be referred to as:
- The Right Honourable The Viscountess Somewhere in writing
- Viscountess Doe in conversation
- Your Ladyship when addressed directly
If the viscountess holds multiple viscountess titles, she uses the most senior one. The other titles are listed in order of precedence.
Privileges of Viscountesses
As members of the British nobility, viscountesses enjoyed specific privileges and responsibilities. These included:
- The right to be presented at court and participate in important state ceremonies
- Land ownership and wealth passed down through aristocratic families
- Membership in the House of Lords for viscounts until reforms in 1999
- An elaborate coat of arms for display
- Social prominence and prestige in society
Viscountesses often performed duties befitting their station such as charitable work, hosting social events, and supporting the arts. They participated in stately activities like fox hunting and served as Ladies of the Bedchamber in the royal household.
Modern Viscountesses
While viscountesses no longer wield the power and influence they once held, some women still inherit the title today. For example:
- Viscountess Emma Weymouth became a viscountess upon marrying Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth in 2013. Her father-in-law is the 8th Marquess of Bath.
- Viscountess Hinchingbrooke is the wife of Luke Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke. Her father-in-law is the 11th Earl of Sandwich.
- Viscountess Coke, Viscountess Boyne, and Viscountess Gort also hold rare viscountess titles today.
However, the practice of hereditary peerages has declined, and most noble titles are now ceremonial. While viscountesses still exist, they no longer wield the power and influence they previously held.
Conclusion
In the British peerage system, a viscountess is the female equivalent of a viscount. As the wife of a viscount, she holds the fourth highest noble title. A viscountess ranks above a baroness but below a marchioness or countess. Although once powerful positions, viscountess titles today are mainly ceremonial honors.