The Peerage of Great Britain refers to the system of nobility in Great Britain, which includes titles such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron. These titles are hereditary, meaning they can be passed down through generations, and they often come with specific privileges and responsibilities. The peerage system has its roots in the medieval period and has evolved over time, influencing British society and politics. Members of the peerage are often referred to as peers and may sit in the House of Lords, one of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. While the power of the peerage has diminished, it still plays a ceremonial role in British life. The titles can be granted by the monarch, and some peers are life peers, appointed for their lifetime without hereditary rights.