How did people get their titles of nobility?
I assume you’re also not talking about the ones who bought their titles from nearly bankrupt kings, or those who have been named knights and dames by Queen Elizabeth for being really great rock and rollers, etc. Mostly, they won their titles by winning battles against their neighbors, or they were descended from those who did, or from royalty, who also, originally won their titles by winning battles against all others, until THEY were left standing. Also, some would serve the king or upper nobility, both in war, and other service to the crown. Later, it became possible for the bourgeoisie, people who had EARNED their money, rather than taxing their vassals, to buy their legitimacy from bankrupt or nearly bankrupt kings. And nowadays, you can just be cool enough and famous enough for the Queen to be a fan…hence: Sir Elton John, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Michael Caine (!!), and Sir Paul McCartney.
