Earl of Antrim

The Kings of Ireland have twice created the Earldom of Antrim in the Peerage of Ireland. The first creation occurred in 1620 for Randal Macdonnell. The first Earl's successor received the title of Marquess of Antrim in 1645, but he died without heirs, so the Marquessate became extinct.

Related Topics:
Ireland - Peerage of Ireland - Randal Macdonnell - 1645

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In the late eighteenth century the earldom seemed in danger of extinction, with only one surviving male heir of the first Earl surviving. The Sovereign, therefore, created a new Earldom of Antrim in 1785 in favour of the sixth earl, with a special "remainder" that allowed the title to pass to his daughters. In 1789 the Sovereign also created the sixth Earl "Marquess of Antrim", without special remainder. When the sixth earl died in 1791, the original earldom and the Marquessate became extinct while the newer earldom passed to his daughter Anne. After her death, the earldom passed to her sister Charlotte. Since her death only males have held the earldom.

Related Topics:
Sovereign - Anne - Charlotte

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