The Barony of Middle Ards is an incorporeal hereditament; part of the original barony of (Great) Ards that was granted to the Hamilton family and was passed on to the Viscounts Bangor of Castle Ward, from whom it was conveyed to the current baron, Mark Lindley-Highfield of Ballumbie Castle, Baron of Middle Ards. The title stems from a Royal Charter from the early 1600s.