What is an Earl?

The title of earl is the third-highest rank in the British peerage system, below marquess and above viscount. The earliest recorded use of the title came during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, when it was used as a ceremonial title for senior members of the royal court.

In later centuries, the title became increasingly associated with land tenure, and by the 13th century, it was commonly used to denote the head of a large landed estate. Today, there are around two dozen earls in the U.K., with notable examples including the Earl of Wessex and the Earl of Burlington.

Although the title no longer carries quite the same level of political power as it once did, it remains an important part of the British aristocracy.

What Is the Peerage System?

Peerage is a system of hereditary titles of nobility in the United Kingdom. The term "peerage" can be used both to refer to the titles themselves and to the people who hold them. The British peerage system is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 11th century.

There are five ranks of peerage: duke, marquess, earl, viscount and baron. Dukes and Marquesses are also known as peers of the realm while Earl, Viscount and Baron are known as peeresses.

Peers are styled "The Most Honourable" or "The Right Honourable," depending on their rank. Members of the peerage hold a seat in the House of Lords, the upper chamber of Parliament. In addition to their political roles, peers also have certain legal privileges, such as the right to a trial by their peers in the House of Lords.

The British peerage system has been criticized for being overly complex and for giving too much power to a small group of people. However, peerage and noble titles continues to play a large role in the British Constitution.

Historically, an earl was the ruler of a county or earldom, but the title is now primarily ceremonial. In the U.K., there are currently around 190 earls. The Earl of Wessex is the highest-ranking earl in the peerage system. He’s also second in line to the British throne.

The title of earl dates back to Anglo-Saxon England, when it was used as a form of address for high-ranking nobles. The word "earl" comes from the Old English word "eorl," which means "warrior" or "nobleman."

Earls typically hold land known as an earldom, but they may also hold other titles, such as baron or viscount. In addition to their ceremonial duties, earls play an important role in the House of Lords, where they help to shape laws and debate policy.

The word "earl" comes from the Old English word ealdorman, which means “leader of men.” In Norman England, the term "count" was used for the same position, but it eventually fell out of use.

The established title of earl was created in the 12th century and initially only applied to certain noblemen who held lands in multiple counties. Over time, the title became more common, and today anyone can be an earl as long as they have the proper title and lands.

The current Earl of Wessex is Prince Edward, and his brother, King Charles III, became the Duke of Edinburgh upon his father's death. Anyone can become an earl if they are born into a noble family or if they are married to one, but it’s still a highly prestigious title.

How Much Money Does an Earl Make?

An earl in medieval England would have earned approximately £2,000 per year.[1] This figure is based on the annual salaries of other high-ranking officials from the same period, such as sheriffs and royal justices.

In today's currency, that amount would be equivalent to over £100,000 per year. Of course, this is only an estimate, and the actual amount an earl earned would have varied depending on their specific circumstances.

For example, an earl with more land or a higher position in the court would have likely earned more than one with less land or a lower position. Nevertheless, it’s clear that earls were among the wealthiest people in medieval England.

Today, their modern equivalents—CEOs and other business leaders—often earn much more than £100,000 per year. But in medieval times, earls were at the top of the heap when it came to money and power.

An individual can be raised to the rank of earl by the reigning monarch through a process known as a letters patent. In order to become an earl, an individual must first be nominated by the prime minister and then approved by the queen. The process can take several months, and there is no guarantee that the nominee will be successful.

Earls are typically aristocrats with a longstanding connection to the British aristocracy. However, it’s possible for an individual of any background to be elevated to the peerage if they’ve rendered exceptional service to the country.

One of the most famous earls in history is William de Normandy, more commonly known as William the Conqueror. William led the Norman conquest of England in 1066, defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. He would go on to rule England for over two decades, leaving a lasting impact on both the country and its people.

Another famous earl is Thomas Cochrane, 9th Earl of Dundonald. Cochrane was a legendary Scottish naval captain who was famous for his bold and daring exploits. He was also an accomplished inventor, and his innovations helped to change the face of maritime warfare. Despite his many accomplishments, Cochrane was frequently beset by controversy and eventually ended his career in disgrace.

Francis Rawdon-Hastings, 2nd Earl of Moira, was another very famous earl. Rawdon-Hastings was a decorated military officer who served with distinction in several conflicts, including the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic Wars. He later went on to become Governor-General of India, where he oversaw some of the country's most momentous changes during the early 19th century.

While the exact origins of the British peerage system are unclear, most scholars trace it to the 11th century with the Norman conquest of England. The system evolved over time, and by the 14th century, the ranks of earl, baron and knight had been established.

Today, the peerage system is much less powerful than it used to be, but it still plays an important role in British society. While other countries have similar systems of nobility, they don’t typically use the title of earl. This is likely due to the fact that the British peerage system has a longer history and is more firmly established than other systems.

Today, earls are primarily social figures with little political power. They do, however, retain some influence within their communities. For example, an earl may be asked to serve on a local board or committee.

Additionally, an earl's land holdings can offer a certain amount of power and prestige. Ultimately, an earl's power is determined by his wealth and status within his community. While an earl may not wield the same kind of power as he did in previous centuries, he can still be a powerful figure in modern times.

[1] https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/resource/medieval-prices-and-wages/