List of peers 1670–1679 facts for kids

The Peerage is a system of noble titles in the United Kingdom and its historical kingdoms like England, Scotland, and Ireland. People with these titles are called peers. They used to have special rights and responsibilities, like being part of the House of Lords in Parliament. These titles are usually passed down through families, often from father to son. Sometimes, new titles are created by the monarch, or old ones can become extinct if there are no heirs.

This article looks at some of the important peerage titles and who held them between 1670 and 1679. During this time, many titles changed hands because people died, or new titles were created by the King.

English Peerage Titles (1670-1679)

In England, there were different levels of peerage, from the highest (Duke) to the lowest (Baron). Many of these titles were very old, going back hundreds of years.

Dukes of England

Dukes held the highest rank in the peerage. During this period, several dukes were important figures. For example, George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, who helped bring King Charles II back to the throne, died in 1670. His son, Christopher Monck, 2nd Duke of Albemarle, then became the Duke.

Some new dukedoms were also created by the King. Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland, became the first Duchess of Cleveland in 1670. Louise de Kérouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth, was made Duchess of Portsmouth in 1673. These were new titles given by the King, often to people close to the royal family.

Other dukes included James Stuart, who was the Duke of York and later became King James II. James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, was another Duke created in 1663.

Marquesses and Earls in England

Marquesses were just below Dukes in rank. The Marquess of Winchester and Marquess of Worcester were two important marquessates.

Earls were a very common type of peerage. Many old earldoms continued through this decade. For instance, the Earl of Oxford title dated all the way back to 1142! Many Earls passed their titles to their sons when they died, like the Earl of Derby and the Earl of Rutland.

Some earldoms became extinct, meaning there was no one left to inherit the title. This happened to the Earl of Northumberland in 1670 and the Earl of Middlesex in 1674. New earldoms were also created. For example, Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington, became an Earl in 1672.

Viscounts and Barons in England

Viscounts and Barons were lower ranks in the peerage. Many of these titles also changed hands during this time. Some titles were created for life, meaning they could not be passed down to children. For example, Anne Baber, Viscountess Bayning, was given her title in 1674, but it ended when she died in 1678.

Barons were the most common type of peerage. Many ancient baronies, like Baron FitzWalter (from 1295), continued to be held by families. Just like with the higher ranks, some baronies became extinct, and new ones were created by the King.

Scottish Peerage Titles (1670-1679)

Scotland had its own system of peerage, similar to England's but with its own unique history and traditions.

Dukes of Scotland

The highest Scottish title was also Duke. The Duke of Rothesay was a special title held by the heir to the Scottish throne. The Duke of Hamilton was another very old and important Scottish dukedom.

New dukedoms were also created in Scotland during this period. John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale, was made a Duke in 1672. Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond, also became the first Duke of Lennox in 1675.

Marquesses and Earls in Scotland

Scottish marquessates included the Marquess of Huntly and Marquess of Douglas. The Marquess of Atholl was a new creation in 1676.

Many Scottish earldoms, like the Earl of Crawford and Earl of Erroll, had been around for centuries. Just like in England, these titles were passed down through families. Some titles changed their names, like the Earl of Kinghorne, which became "Strathmore and Kinghorne" in 1677.

Viscounts and Lords in Scotland

Scottish viscounts and lords also saw changes. The Viscount of Falkland and Viscount of Stormont were well-known titles.

The lowest rank in the Scottish peerage was Lord. Many ancient lordships, such as Lord Somerville and Lord Forbes, continued to be held by their families. Some lordships became dormant, meaning no one was actively claiming the title, like Lord Borthwick in 1675. New lordships were also created, such as Lord Burntisland in 1672.

Irish Peerage Titles (1670-1679)

Ireland also had its own peerage system, with titles granted by the English monarch.

Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls in Ireland

The Duke of Ormonde was the highest title in the Irish peerage during this time. The Marquess of Antrim was another significant Irish title.

Many earldoms existed in Ireland, such as the Earl of Kildare (dating back to 1316) and the Earl of Waterford. These titles were passed down through generations. Some Irish earldoms became extinct, like the Earl of Clanbrassil in 1675. New earldoms were also created, such as the Earl of Tyrone in 1673 and the Earl of Longford in 1677.

Viscounts and Barons in Ireland

Irish viscounts included the Viscount Gormanston and Viscount Mountgarret. Like other peerage titles, these were inherited or sometimes became extinct.

The lowest rank in the Irish peerage was Baron. Many Irish baronies, such as Baron Athenry (from 1172) and Baron Kingsale (from 1223), were very old. New baronies were also created, and some became extinct if there were no heirs.