User:Proteus/Sandbox/Earl of Bedford

The title Earl of Bedford has been created three times in the Peerage of England. The third creation is extant and held by the Duke of Bedford.

The first creation, by King Stephen, was in 1138 for Hugh de Beaumont. The title was forfeit in 1142.

The second creation was in 1366 for Enguerrand VII de Coucy, son-in-law of King Edward III. He resigned the title in 1377.

The third and current creation was in 1550 for the 1st Baron Russell, a close advisor of King Henry VIII and King Edward VI. The 5th Earl was created Duke of Bedford in 1694, and the title has been held by the Dukes of Bedford since that time.

First Creation (1138–1142)

 * Hugh de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Bedford (forfeit 1142)

Second Creation (1366–1377)

 * Enguerrand de Coucy, 1st Earl of Bedford (1340-1397) (resigned 1377)

Third Creation (1551&mdash;)

 * John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford (1485-1555)
 * Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford (1527-1585)
 * Edward Russell, 3rd Earl of Bedford (1572-1627)
 * Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford (1593-1641)
 * William Russell, 5th Earl of Bedford (1616-1700) (created Duke of Bedford in 1694)

The Earldom of Bedford (third creation) has been held by the Dukes of Bedford (fourth creation) since 1694.