Earl of Chester

Earldom of Chester
subsidiary of
Principality of Wales
since 1343
Creation date1067 (first creation)
1071 (second creation)
1254 (third creation)
1264 (fourth creation)
1301 (fifth creation)
1312 (sixth creation)
see Prince of Wales for further creations
Created byWilliam the Conqueror (first creation)
William the Conqueror (second creation)
Henry III (third creation)
Henry III (fourth creation)
Edward I (fifth creation)
Edward II (sixth creation)
PeeragePeerage of the United Kingdom
First holderGerbod the Fleming, 1st Earl of Chester
Present holderWilliam, Prince of Wales[1]
Heir apparentNon-Hereditary
Extinction date1070 (first creation)
1237 (second creation)
1272 (third creation)
1265 (fourth creation)
1307 (fifth creation)
1327 (sixth creation)
Former seat(s)Chester Castle
MottoIch dien (I serve)
Hugh de Kevelioc used six wheatsheafs on his arms. His son Ranulf de Blondeville reduced their number to three, and this form has become an emblem of Cheshire generally, despite later earls bearing different arms.[2] Blazon: Azure, three garbs (sheafs of wheat).

The Earldom of Chester was one of the most powerful earldoms in medieval England, extending principally over the counties of Cheshire and Flintshire. Since 1301 the title has generally been granted to heirs apparent to the English throne, and after 1707 the British throne. From the late 14th century, it has been given only in conjunction with that of Prince of Wales.

  1. ^ "Crown Office". The London Gazette. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  2. ^ Tomlinson, H Ellis (1956). The Heraldry of Cheshire. Manchester: Manchester University Press. p. 159.

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