In a message dated 03/10/00 5:25:02 PM Central Daylight Time, esi@geotec.net writes: A title is usually bestowed for servive to the "crown", although there are some instances where they were bought. Recently they have been given for commercial enterprise, like the Beatles, or long term service like a Civil Servant, and other such miterio8use service for the crown,. (Note the crown IS the government.) Some titles can be passed on to the children, these usually include land owners such an Earl a Peer Of The Realm, (Member House of Lords), etc. Some die with the bearer such as an MBE, Member of the British Empire, like the Beatles got. Others like the Baron of ...... Or Sir Big Head of London are carried over from father to son, mother to son and daughter. It all depends on the title and who gets it. Recently the Royals were removed from the list after one generation. So Princess Margret's children, (Queen Liz's sister) will not be considered Royals. but will retain their other titles such as Lady Snowdon etc. Cheers Dave. << Dear Dave, How do titles like Earl or Sir work? Do they extinguish with death or are they hereditary? Thank You. Regards, Mike