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The title Earl of Wiltshire is one of the oldest in the Peerage of England, going back to the 12th century. It is currently held by the Marquess of Winchester, and is used as a courtesy title for the eldest son of the marquess.
The earldom was first created for Hervey le Breton, who married Sybilla, an illegitimate daughter of King Stephen. The title lapsed after Hervey lost his English lands during the Anarchy, since at that time one could not be an earl without the territory to support the dignity.
William le Scrope was created Earl of Wiltshire in 1397. He was executed during the events leading to the deposition of Richard II by Henry IV. The charter which granted his earldom limited its inheritance to heirs male, but not did not contain the usual additional limitation of his body. Thus in 1859 a collateral descendant attempted to claim the earldom, but the claim was rejected by the House of Lords.
The next creation was for James Butler, eldest son of the 4th Earl of Ormond. He fought on the Lancastrian side at the Battle of Towton, and afterwards was executed and posthumously attainted.
The earldom was next held by three members of the Stafford family, beginning with John, a younger son of the 1st Duke of Buckingham.
Anne Boleyn's father Thomas was the recipient of the next creation, but he died without issue.
Finally, in 1549/50 William Paulet was created Earl of Wiltshire. He was made Marquess of Winchester the next year, and his descendents continue to hold both titles.
Earl of Wiltshire, First Creation
- Hervey le Breton, Earl of Wiltshire (d. 1168)
Earl of Wiltshire, Second Creation (1397)
- William le Scrope, 1st Earl of Wiltshire (1350-1399) (forfeit 1399)
Earl of Wiltshire, Third Creation (1449)
- James Butler, 1st Earl of Wiltshire (1420-1461) (forfeit 1461)
Earl of Wiltshire, Fourth Creation (1470)
Earl of Wiltshire, Fifth Creation (1510)
Earl of Wiltshire, Sixth Creation (1529)
Earl of Wiltshire, Seventh Creation
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