The Legacy of the Baronet of Nova Scotia: A Historical Perspective

In the days of baronets and baronetesses, the title of the 11th Baronet of Nova Scotia may seem like a relic of the past, a distant memory from a bygone era. However, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sir Crispin Agnew, aged 81, holds this prestigious title, alongside at least 100 others who share the same honor. The Baronet of Nova Scotia was originally created as a means to generate funds for the colonization of New Scotland, a venture that aimed to encourage Scots to settle in the new land.

Sir Crispin Agnew is preparing to attend a conference in Stirling, Scotland, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first-ever Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1625. Reflecting on the significance of his title, Agnew shared with CBC’s Information Morning Nova Scotia that while it holds historical value for his family, it no longer carries any tangible benefits in the modern age.

During the early days of colonization, individuals could purchase the hereditary title of Baronet of Nova Scotia for 3,000 Scottish merks, equivalent to nearly $66,000 Cdn today. This investment entitled them to the use of the title “Sir” before their name and a parcel of land spanning 6,500 hectares in New Scotland, situated between New England and Newfoundland. Despite the initial intent to incentivize settlement, many potential buyers were dissuaded by the accompanying wealth tax.

Agnew shed light on the coercive tactics employed by King Charles I to compel individuals to accept the title, including threats of investigating crimes and implicating non-compliers. By the end of King Charles I’s reign, only around 110 titles had been sold, with Agnew’s family receiving a threatening letter that coerced them into purchasing a title to safeguard their income source.

The title of Baronet of Nova Scotia has been passed down through generations in Agnew’s family, with little practical significance in the present day. Despite this, Agnew humorously remarked that being addressed as Sir Crispin does have a certain appeal, considering the historical investment made by his ancestors.

While Agnew proudly owns a badge symbolizing his baronetcy, he acknowledges the dark history associated with the title’s role in facilitating the colonization of Indigenous communities, including the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia. This topic will be explored at the upcoming Nova Scotia and Scotland Conference, where speakers from Indigenous backgrounds will address the lasting implications of Sir William Alexander’s charter for New Scotland.

As a modern baronet, Agnew expressed a conscientious awareness of the title’s origins and its impact on Indigenous populations, recognizing the complex legacy that accompanies his inherited honor. Despite being the 11th Baronet of Nova Scotia, Agnew has yet to visit the province, expressing a desire to include this journey on his bucket list.