What is a viscount?

A VISCOUNT, of viscountess, is a title used in some European countries to denote someone of noble or high status. The term was widely used in Britain to denote people who were assisting counts run a province. The Mega AgencyViscounts is a title used to denote people of a certain class structure – they are not always royals[/caption] What is a viscount? In many European countries, a viscount was an administrative or judicial position. It was non-hereditary, which meant the title would not be passed down the generations. The role was open to men (viscount) and women (viscountess). The word derives from old French “visconte” which comes from Medieval Latin to mean deputy or companion. In certain empires, a viscount was appointed by the king to help administer provinces and small regions as governors and military commanders. Is a viscount higher than a count? A count is higher than a viscount. Most read in The Sun KNOW THE RULES 3 major Covid rule changes TODAY- everything you need to know TEENAGE WASTELAND Inside town held prisoner by yobs who lob bricks at buses and attack OAPs IF LOOKS COULD PHIL This Morning's Phillip in new 'feud' as he's seen 'death staring' star NO CHANGE Man Utd release Greenwood statement after fans spot him on club website ROCKED HIS WORLD Chris Rock breaks down in tears on stage in 1st show since Will Smith slap TRAGIC TOM The Wanted's Tom Parker was doing ‘really well’ but ‘deteriorated’ after tour A viscount was dispensed to help a count run his province and it was mainly an administrative or judicial role with some military aspects pegged on. The role was strictly non-hereditary to prevent them from rebelling against the Crown. Who are viscounts in England? In the UK, a viscount is a fourth rank peerage, coming after Dukes, Marquesses and Earls. They often acted as county sheriffs until 1440, when King Henry VI turned then into noble, hereditary titles. They were mostly held by dukes, marquesses and earls. In British tradition, the title of a viscount may be either a place name, a surname, or a combination of the two. A British viscount is addressed in speech as “Lord” and his wife “Lady” and he is formally called “The Right Honourable The Viscount [X]”. Their children are addressed as “The Honourable” but in Scotland they’re called “The Honourable Master of [X]”. The first peerage was recorded in 1440 when Jean Beaumont was created Viscount Beaumont by King Henry VI. Read More on The US Sun BIG SIS DISS Khloe shades Rob's ex Blac as baby mama claims he gives 'no child support' Current viscounts include: Viscount Severn from the Mountbatten-Windsor familyViscount Macmillan of OvendenViscount Dihorne from the Manningham-Buller familyViscount Blakenham Viscount EcclesViscount MillsViscount Boyd of Merton