What was the size of the English Peerage both as an absolute number and a percentage of the population (over time)?

by LeftoverNoodles

Additionally any demographic breakdown by class or profession etc would be fun to see as well.

roottracker

A lot of vaguery in your question. By England do you mean only prior to Act of Union in 1707, when it became Peerage of Great Britain and Ireland?

The # pre-union were miniscule as a percentage. It the Times of highest investment, there was only about 100 peerages. Dozen or so Dukes, couple dozen Earls, one Marquess, and 50 or so Barons. These numbers were constantly in flux through new creations and attaintings.

After Union, maybe increase by 50% or so.

Today, you have simultaneously the old English Peers, Scottish, Irish, British, and UK Peerages. There are both Hereditary and Lifetime Only Peers. Peers in the House of Lords has been limited to less than 100 since 1999.

ThucydidesWasAwesome

While the question itself is fine, you may have more luck getting great answers if you specify the period you are interested in.