Marquess

A marquess is a nobleman of hereditary rank in Europe, China, and Japan. In British peerage it ranks below a duke and above an earl. A woman with the rank of marquess, or the wife of a marquess, is a marchioness.

Peerage of England

The first marquess in England was Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, who was created Marquess of Dublin by Richard II on the 1 December 1385. On the 13 October 1386, the patent of this marquessate was recalled, and Robert de Vere was raised to Duke of Ireland. John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset, the second legitimate son of John of Gaunt, was raised to the second marquessate as Marquess of Dorset in September 1397. In 1399, he was disgraced, and the king revoked his marquessate. The Commons petitioned Richard for his restoration but he himself objected stating "the name of marquess is a strange name in this realm". From that period the title appears to have been dormant till the reign of Henry VI, when it was revived in 1442. The first woman to be created a marchioness in her own right was Lady Anne Boleyn who was created Marchioness of Pembroke in preparation for her marriage to Henry VIII. The investiture ceremony was held at Windsor Castle on September 1 1532.

Related Topics:
Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford - Marquess of Dublin - Richard II - 1 December - 1385 - 13 October - 1386 - Duke of Ireland - John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset - John of Gaunt - Marquess of Dorset - 1397 - 1399 - Commons - Lady Anne Boleyn - Henry VIII - Windsor Castle - September 1 - 1532

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