England Lord of Portsmouth
The Lordship of Portsmouth
Portsmouth's lordship is inseparable from the Royal Navy. Richard I granted the first charter in 1194. The Dukedom was created in 1673 for Louise de Kerouaille, Charles II's French mistress.
Henry VII built the world's first dry dock here in 1495. The dockyard became England's most important industrial complex. HMS Victory, Nelson's Trafalgar flagship, was built here.
The Earldom was created in 1743 for John Wallop, whose family seat at Farleigh Wallop has been held since the 14th century.
Portsmouth was heavily fortified throughout its history: the Round Tower by Henry V, Square Tower by Henry VII, and extensive defences by Charles II.
The military governor served as de facto lord of the fortified town, and the Admiralty's presence gave Portsmouth a unique character.
Portsmouth and the Peerage
The Earldom (Wallop family, created 1743) continues. The Dukedom for Louise de Kerouaille became extinct in 1773.
View the full Peerage Hierarchy ChartNotable Lords of Portsmouth
When de Kerouaille's coach was mistaken for Nell Gwyn's by a mob, Nell reportedly said, 'Good people, I am the Protestant whore.'
England Noble Surnames
Explore the noble heritage of England's most prominent family names and discover their connections to the peerage.
Become a Lord or Lady of England
Portsmouth's noble past lives on. Become a Lord or Lady of England and receive your personalised certificate, title deed, and registry entry from just £55.
