Debrett's illustrated baronetage and knightage (and companionage) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

First established in 1769 by John Debrett, this reference work emerged as an essential directory for the British aristocracy and landed gentry. The publication served as a definitive guide to the lineage and precedence of British titles, evolving over the nineteenth century to include comprehensive biographical details for baronets, knights, and their families. It acted as both a genealogical record and a social ledger during an era when understanding the complexities of the British peerage was a vital component of public and private life.

The illustrated editions were designed to provide visual clarity to the intricate heraldry associated with these titles, featuring engravings of coats of arms that helped readers navigate the complex social landscape of the United Kingdom. These volumes were meticulously updated to reflect the constant shifts in titles and honors within the British system. They were highly regarded for their rigorous approach to fact-checking and archival accuracy, becoming a standard fixture in the libraries of the political and social elite throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods.