Aristocracy (class)
Videos
The aristocracy is historically associated with a "hereditary" or a "ruling" social class. In many states, the aristocracy included the upper class with hereditary rank and titles. They are usually be
The Ladies Waldegrave, a portrait of three English aristocrats from the Waldegrave family by Joshua Reynolds
2nd Earl and Countess Harcourt, in their coronet and coronation robes by Joshua Reynolds. The countess was a confidant of Queen Charlotte.
A château, the primary form of residence for the French aristocracy
Nobility
Videos
Nobility is a social class found in many societies that have an aristocracy. It is normally appointed by and ranked immediately below royalty. Nobility has often been an estate of the realm with many
The House of Lords is the upper legislature of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and is filled with members that are selected from the aristocracy (those ennobled only for their individual lives).
French aristocrats, c. 1774.
A French political cartoon of the three orders of feudal society (1789). The rural third estate carries the clergy and the nobility.
Opening of the Hungarian Diet (Országgyűlés) with the members of hungarian nobility in the Royal Palace, 1865.