2-703-971 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'King James disposing of Baronetcies', 1897. The practice of awarding baronetcies (hereditary honours) was used by King James I of England (1566-1625) in 1611 as a means of raising funds. Gentlemen 'of good birth' with an income of at least £1,000 a year were required to pay for the upkeep of thirty soldiers for three years, amounting to £1,095, in return for the honour. From "The Comic History of England" by Gilbert Abbott A Beckett, with satirical illustrations by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1897]