Burke's Peerage & Gentry no longer publishes letters from Atavus readers, however this archive provides coverage of a range of interesting topics.

Q. I am writing a short story. In a small part of it, there is an illegitimate son of an English Earl (son born 1953). I have read he cannot inherit the title (he’s the earl’s only child). I would like to verify that. Plus I would like to know if he would be addressed as ‘Your Lordship’ or anything of that nature, or if he would only be called by his given name.
Read the reply.

Q. In the introduction to your Blood Royal you say: 'What is passed down from ancestor to descendant is a bundle of genes, predispositions to certain illnesses, facial and bodily features, some degree of intelligence and most traits of character but not actually blood.' As a descendant of certain German royals, I have inherited looks that are similar to theirs. Yet I am not royal. I am aware that we all have doubles, but when looks have been inherited, as opposed to being coincidental, to what extent, if any, does this constitute blood royal?
Read the reply.

Q. I note a colleague of mine has received a life peerage on his retirement.  What does it mean and what is he now entitled to do?
Read the reply.

Q. How might it be that one of the most notorious border Riever Clans in all of 500 years of Border history, like clan Hall, isn't listed in your Clan listings? Interesting that the Scottish Clan Society not only list's them but they are a registered Clan, with their own website.
Read the reply.

Q. I recently became interested in the Bethams of Betham in Cumbria (?) or Northumberland. I believe they were the owners of Betham castle. One of my ancestors, Sir Roger de Betham, was a notorious highwayman apparently. Alas the castle is now a ruin. I am curious however as to the fate of the title - do they lapse somehow or is it possible to revive it? If so what would be the process?
Read the reply.

Q. Can you tell me whether the legal position of adoptees in relation to the inheritance of titles and entailed property has changed? I understand that it has been the case that adopted children cannot inherit titles or property entailed on titles (I'm not sure if I have the right terms here), and would like to check whether this is still the case, or whether it has been changed by new legislation.
Read the reply.

Q. Following the recent release of Lord Archer from prison, what are the chances of him being stripped of his peerage?
Read the reply

Q. Perhaps you would be good enough to explain to me the origins of the toast often taken in Lancashire – ‘The Queen The Duke of Lancaster’. Is this in fact valid, and does The Queen hold that title?
Read the reply.

Q.   
1. Where can I find a list of post-nominals for use in the UK that have been approved by the PC.
2. Where can I find guidance on the use of post-nominal letters, in particular for the engineering and science communities.
Read the reply.

Status of Landed Gentry in Britain?
Form of Address for Scottish Feudal Barons
Possible Queen-Prophet Kinship
Was Queen Victoria Illegitimate?
Definition of Paschal Lamb.
Using the Burke's Peerage and Gentry Database.
List of English Peers.
Irish Titles.
Hons and a Rebel
Counting Counts
Conqueror's Coat
Always a Lady