Earl of Wiltshire
The title Earl of Wiltshire first appeared in the Peerage of England during the 12th century. Harvey of Léon received this honor after marrying Sybilla, an illegitimate daughter of King Stephen. This union occurred while England was engulfed in civil war known as the Anarchy. The conflict prevented any earl from holding territory to support their dignity. Harvey lost his English lands and the title lapsed shortly after 1141. Patrick of Salisbury later became Earl of Wiltshire by the Empress Matilda around July 1143. He served as Sheriff of Wiltshire in October 1152 when a writ addressed him as Earl Patrick. His lineage traced back to Walter of Salisbury who founded Bradenstoke Priory in Wiltshire.
Patrick of Salisbury passed the title to his great-granddaughter Margaret Longespée. She married Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, and they had a daughter named Alice de Lacy. Alice died in October 1348 leaving no surviving heirs to carry the earldom forward. The earldom reverted to the Crown upon her death. William le Scrope received a new creation of the title in 1397. He was executed during events leading to the deposition of Richard II by Henry IV. A charter granted to him limited inheritance to heirs male without further restriction on his body. This legal detail allowed a collateral descendant to attempt a claim in 1859 which the House of Lords rejected.
James Butler became the next holder of the title after William le Scrope's execution. He fought on the Lancastrian side at the Battle of Towton before being executed himself. James Butler was posthumously attainted for his political actions. The earldom then passed to three members of the Stafford family starting with John. John was a younger son of the 1st Duke of Buckingham. These holders faced significant political risks that often ended their tenure abruptly. Their stories illustrate how noble titles could vanish within a single generation due to royal displeasure or battlefield defeat.
Edward Stafford served as the 2nd Earl of Wiltshire from 1469 until his death in 1499. His monument stands today in St Peter's parish church in Lowick, Northamptonshire. Edward died without surviving male heirs causing this specific line to become extinct. The previous holder Henry Stafford also died without issue in 1523. These failures left the title vacant once more during the early Tudor period. The Staffords had held the earldom for nearly thirty years before their line ended completely. Their absence created an opportunity for new families to claim the ancient honor.
Thomas Boleyn received the fifth creation of the title Earl of Wiltshire in 1529. He was Anne Boleyn's father and held the position until his death in 1539. Thomas outlived his son and had no other male heirs upon his passing. This lack of direct descendants caused the title to lapse again after his death. He was the great-nephew of James Butler who held the earldom in 1449. The connection between these two men spanned over a century yet failed to preserve the title through inheritance. Thomas Boleyn's tenure marked another brief chapter in the long history of the earldom.
William Paulet became Earl of Wiltshire in 1550 under the seventh creation. He was elevated to Marquess of Winchester the following year in 1551. His descendants continue to hold both titles today as the current holders. The title now serves as a courtesy designation for Lord Winchester's eldest son and heir. Henry Carey once offered the title but declined it before Paulet received it. William Paulet's successful tenure established a lasting lineage where previous attempts had failed. The family has maintained the honor for nearly five centuries since its reestablishment.
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Common questions
When did the Earl of Wiltshire title first appear in the Peerage of England?
The Earl of Wiltshire title first appeared during the 12th century. Harvey of Léon received this honor after marrying Sybilla, an illegitimate daughter of King Stephen.
Who was the first person to hold the Earldom of Wiltshire created by Empress Matilda?
Patrick of Salisbury became Earl of Wiltshire around July 1143. He served as Sheriff of Wiltshire in October 1152 when a writ addressed him as Earl Patrick.
What happened to the Earldom of Wiltshire after Alice de Lacy died in October 1348?
The earldom reverted to the Crown upon her death because she left no surviving heirs. William le Scrope received a new creation of the title in 1397.
Why did the line of Edward Stafford end without passing the Earl of Wiltshire title?
Edward Stafford died in 1499 without surviving male heirs causing this specific line to become extinct. The previous holder Henry Stafford also died without issue in 1523.
When did Thomas Boleyn receive the fifth creation of the Earl of Wiltshire title?
Thomas Boleyn received the fifth creation of the title Earl of Wiltshire in 1529. He held the position until his death in 1539.
Who currently holds the Earl of Wiltshire title under the seventh creation established in 1550?
William Paulet became Earl of Wiltshire in 1550 and was elevated to Marquess of Winchester in 1551. His descendants continue to hold both titles today as the current holders.