Possible Clues:

• Honourable ? aristocratic
• Bilingual elevation of the good and generous
• Magnificent head took position at front, not rear
• Illustrious - old money
• In France it's good, backing the titled person
• Imposing awarder of prizes a bit confused at the end
• Grand, magnanimous
• Stately barge going north (north, not west)
• Count, perhaps, old money
• Barnes' business partner