Ridder (title)

For its historical association with warfare and the landed gentry in the Middle Ages, it can be considered roughly equal to the titles of "Knight" or "Baronet".

In modern times, the title of Ridder is often associated with certain orders of knighthood or decorations conferred by the reigning monarch or government to individuals for exceptional accomplishments in various fields such as arts, sciences, philanthropy, or public service.

In the middle of the fourteenth century, quarrels between the feudal lords reduced many families and castles to ruins, which contributed to the Dukes of Burgundy's acquisition by conquest or inheritance of many of the provinces forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The wife of a ridder is referred to or addressed as De hoogwelgeboren vrouwe (The high well-born Lady), Mevrouw [Forename] [Surname husband]-[Maiden name].

Children of hereditary Ridders who do not have a noble title are styled with the honorific Jonkheer or Jonkvrouw of the untitled nobility, i.e. De hoogwelgeboren heer, Jonkheer/Jhr.