Earl of Oxford

Earl of Oxford was one of the oldest titles in the English peerage, and was held for several centuries by the de Vere family. It finally became dormant in 1703 with the death of the 20th Earl. Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, is perhaps the most famous of the line, due to the claims put forward by some that he was the actual author of the works of William Shakespeare (see Shakespearean authorship). The Vere Earls of Oxford were also hereditary holders of the office of Lord Great Chamberlain until the death of the 18th Earl in 1625.

Related Topics:
Peerage - 1703 - Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford - William Shakespeare - Shakespearean authorship - Lord Great Chamberlain - 1625

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The title of Earl of Oxford and Mortimer was given out in the peerage of Great Britain to Robert Harley in 1711; in the 20th century the title of Earl of Oxford and Asquith was given out in the peerage of the United Kingdom to the former Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith, whose descendants still bear that title. These later creations bear the double title because the original creation is dormant but not extinct.

Related Topics:
Great Britain - Robert Harley - 1711 - United Kingdom - Prime Minister - Herbert Henry Asquith

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After the discontinuation of the title, the retiring Prime Minister Herbert Asquith was keen to choose 'Earl of Oxford' for his own title. As an Earldom was then traditional for former Prime Ministers, and Asquith had a number of connections with the city, it seemed a logical choice, and had the King's support. However, it greatly offended the relatives of the dormant Earldom, and in the face of opposition from them, another title had to be selected - the formal title 'Earl of Oxford and Asquith' was finally decided as a compromise, with it being abbreviated to 'Earl of Oxford' in everyday conversation and letters.

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The family seat is The Manor House, near Frome, Somerset.

Related Topics:
The Manor House - Frome - Somerset

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The Earls of Oxford are as follows:

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