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Archiver > LONDON > 2001-07 > 0995103142


From: "Betty" <>
Subject: [Lon] Re: John White and Use of Esquire
Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2001 10:32:22 +0100


When I was a gel, just embarking on a life of commerce, I was instructed
that if one was writing to a male person one addressed him thus:-

Up to 12 years of age he was "Master" - i.e. Master John Smith
from 12 to 18 years he had no title - i.e. John Smith
from 18 years until marriage he was "Esquire" - i.e. John Smith Esq.
After marriage he became "Mr." (because he had a "Mrs.") - i.e. Mr. & Mrs.
John Smith.

Probably not at all correct, but it does give you a yardstick to work to
even if it doesn't explain the true meaning of Esquire.

Sam

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