Earl of Cornwall facts for kids

Imagine a special title given to important people in England a long time ago. The Earl of Cornwall was one of these important titles. It was created many times before the year 1337. After that, a new, even more important title, the Duke of Cornwall, took its place. This Duke title usually goes to the person who is next in line to become king or queen.

What is an Earl?

An Earl is a very old and important noble title in England. It's like being a powerful leader or a very important person in a certain area, in this case, Cornwall. People with this title often had a lot of land and influence.

Early Earls of Cornwall

Some of the earliest people said to be Earls of Cornwall are from before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Condor of Cornwall

• Condor of Cornwall: He is thought to be a legendary Earl of Cornwall from before the Norman Conquest. Stories say he paid respect to William the Conqueror for his earldom.

Earls After the Norman Conquest

After William the Conqueror took over England, he started giving out titles to his own supporters.

First Creation of Earls (around 1068)

• Brian of Brittany (born around 1040 – died 1084 or 1085): Brian was from Brittany, a region in France. He was given the title of Earl of Cornwall. He later gave up this title around 1072.

Second Creation of Earls (around 1072)

• Robert, Count of Mortain (born around 1038 – died 1095): Robert was a very important person because he was the half-brother of William the Conqueror. William made him an Earl.
• William, Count of Mortain (1084–1140): William was Robert's son. He lost his title in 1106 because he went against the king.

Cadoc II of Cornwall (around 1106)

• Cadoc II (or Candor): He was the son of Cadoc of Cornwall. He is mentioned as an Earl around 1106.

First Creation Revived (1140)

• Alan (died 1146): Alan was a nephew of Brian of Brittany, who was an earlier Earl. He was given the title in 1140 but lost it in 1141.

Third Creation of Earls (1141)

• Reginald de Dunstanville, Earl of Cornwall (died 1175): Reginald was a very important Earl because he was the son of King Henry I of England. This means he was part of the royal family.

Fourth Creation of Earls (1225)

• Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, King of the Romans (1209–1272): Richard was the second son of John, King of England. He was a very powerful and wealthy Earl, and he was even elected "King of the Romans," which was a title for the future Holy Roman Emperor.
• Edmund, 2nd Earl of Cornwall (1249–1300): Edmund was Richard's son and inherited the title after his father.

Fifth Creation of Earls (1307)

• Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall (1284–1312): Piers Gaveston was a close friend of King Edward II of England. The King gave him the title of Earl of Cornwall, which was a very high honor.

Sixth Creation of Earls (1330)

• John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall (1316–1336): John was the second son of King Edward II of England and his queen, Isabella of France. He was given the title when he was young.

See also

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• Constitutional status of Cornwall: Learn about how Cornwall is governed today.
• Antiqua maneria: These were the original 17 important estates that belonged to the Earldom of Cornwall.
• Duchy of Cornwall: This is the title that replaced the Earldom and is usually held by the heir to the throne.
• Kingdom of Cornwall: Explore the idea of Cornwall as its own kingdom in the past.
• List of legendary rulers of Cornwall: Discover more mythical and historical rulers of Cornwall.