Welsh peers and baronets explained

This is an index of Welsh peers and baronets whose primary peerage, life peerage, and baronetcy titles include a Welsh place-name origin or its territorial qualification is within the historic counties of Wales.

Welsh-titled peers derive their titles from a variety of sources. After Llywelyn ap Gruffudd of the House of Aberffraw, the last Welsh Prince of Wales, was killed during the Edwardian Conquest in 1282, the Principality of Wales was divided into English-style counties. Many of the former native titles were abolished, but some of the native Welsh lords were given English titles in exchange for their loyalty. Welsh Law remained in force in the Principality for civil cases, including for inheritance. However, Edward I did reform Welsh succession to introduce male preference primogeniture, a reform which facilitated the inheritance by English marcher lords of Welsh lands.

With the Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542, Wales was formally annexed by England, with the full implementation of English Common Law for civil cases. Both native Welsh and Marcher lordships were fully incorporated into the English Peerage. Eventually, succeeding peerage divisions emerged. Wales does not have a separate peerage, but Welsh peers are included in the English, Great Britain, and finally the United Kingdom peerages. In 1793 the title "Earl of the Town and County of Carnarvon in the Principality of Wales" was created, the only mention of the "Principality of Wales" in a title.[1] [2] After the deposition by the English parliament in February 1689 of King James II and VII from the thrones of England and Ireland (the Scottish Estates followed suit on 11 April 1689), he and his successors continued to create peers and baronets, which became known as the Jacobite Peerage.

Some lords, the Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, and the Marquess of Anglesey, make their principal seat within Wales, while others, such as the Marquess of Abergavenny have their seat outside Wales.

Titles as rendered in the Welsh language

Title Male singular Female singular Domain
PrinceTywysogTywysogesTywysogaeth
DukeDuc, DugDuces, DugesDugaeth
MarquessArdalyddArdalyddesArdalyddaeth
EarlIarllIarllesIarllaeth
CountCownt*Cowntes*Cowntaeth
ViscountIsiarllIsiarllesIsiarllaeth
BaronBarwnBarwnesBarwniaeth
BaronetBarwnigBarwniges

Royal titles

See also Honours of the Principality of Wales

Ducal titles

Currently there are no Welsh ducal titles.

Title CreationPeerage Other titles
The Duke of Monmouth1663EnglandExtinct 1685.
Duke of Buccleuch, 1663, Peerage of Scotland
The Duke of Powis1689Jacobite Peerage of EnglandExtinct 1745.
Created for the 1st Marquess of Powis

Marquessate titles

Title CreationPeerage Selected other titles
The Marquess of Powis1687England
The Marquess of Montgomery1687Jacobite Peerage
The Marquess of Carmarthen1689EnglandSubsidiary title for the Duke of Leeds
The Marquess of Carnarvon1719Great BritainSubsidiary title for the Duke of Chandos
The Marquess of Anglesey1815UK
The Marquess of Abergavenny1876UK
The Marquess of Milford Haven1917UK

Earldom titles

Title CreationPeerage Other titles and notes
The Lord of Glamorgan1093 1217 1338 1439
1449 1489
EnglandBased on the former Welsh principality of Morgannwg. The title was 'Lord of Glamorgan' but of comital rank. Abolished with the Laws in Wales Act 1535.
The Earl of Pembrokec. 1135 1533 1605EnglandEarl of Montgomery in the Peerage of England.
The Lord of Gowerc. 1135EnglandCarved out of the Welsh Gŵyr lordship of the Principality of Deheubarth. The title was "Lord of Gower" but of comital rank. Abolished with the Laws in Wales Act 1535.
The Lord of Kilveyc. 1135EnglandBased on the Welsh commote. Roughly, the parish of Llansamlet on the east bank of the Tawe and part of the Principality of Deheubarth until conquered from it. Abolished with the Laws in Wales Act 1535 and transferred to Glamorgan.
The Earl of Montgomery1605EnglandHeld with Earl of Pembroke since 1630
The Earl of Carnarvon1628 1714 1793England Great BritainBaron Porchester in the Peerage of Great Britain
The Earl of Denbigh1622EnglandEarl of Desmond in the Peerage of Ireland
The Earl of Conway1624EnglandExtinct by 1683
The Earl of Cardigan1661EnglandMarquess of Ailesbury in the Peerage of the UK
The Earl of Powis1674 1748 1804UKViscount Clive in the Peerage of the UK
The Earl of Monmouth1701Jacobite Peerage of EnglandExtinct 1747
The Earl Talbot1761Great BritainBaron Dynevor, of Dynevor in the County of Carmarthen.
The Earl of Lisburne1776IrelandViscount Lisburne. Named after the profitable Lisburne mines in Trawsgoed, Ceredigion for the Vaughn family.
The Earl Cawdor1827UKViscount Emlyn in the Peerage of the UK
Thane of Cawdor in the Peerage of Scotland
The Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor1945UKViscount Gwynedd in the Peerage of the UK
The Earl of Merioneth1947UKDuke of Edinburgh in the Peerage of the UK. Merged with the Crown 2022
The Earl of Snowdon1961UKViscount Linley in the Peerage of the UK

Viscountcy titles

Title CreationPeerage Other titles and notes
The Viscount Powis1687EnglandSubsidiary title for Marquess of Powis
The Viscount Montgomery1687EnglandSubsidiary title for Marquess of Powis
The Viscount Emlyn1827Great BritainEarl Cawdor of Castlemartin in the County of Pembroke
The Viscount Windsor1905UKof St Fagans in the County of Glamorgan. Held as a subsidiary title of the Earl of Plymouth.
The Viscount Tredegar1905 1925UKBaron Tredegar 1859, Viscountcy title became extinct by 1962
The Viscount St Davids1918UKBaron St Davids in the UK Peerage
Baron Strange de Knokyn, of Hungerford, and of Moleyns in the Peerage of England
The Viscount Rhondda1918UKBaron Rhondda. Extinct by 1953
The Viscount Gwynedd1945UKEarl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor
The Viscount Tenby1957UKof Bulford in the County of Pembroke
The Viscount Tonypandy1983UKin the County of Glamorgan. The title became extinct in 1997.
The Viscount Severn1999UKEarl of Wessex and Earl of Forfar in the Peerage of the UK

Barony titles

Title CreationPeerage Other titles and notes
The Baron Abergavenny1087 1392EnglandMarquess of Abergavenny
The Baron Aberavon12th centuryEnglandCreated for the former Welsh rulers of Morgannwg, pre-Norman Conquest; the dynasty became subsumed, ruling only the barony of Aberavon. The family and barony became extinct in the 1330s.
The Baron of Cymmer-yn-Edeirnion1284 EnglandBased on lands in the family's possession pre-Edwardian Conquest, recognised in 1370 for the Hughes of Gwerclas descendants.
The Baron of Hendwr1284EnglandCreated for the cousin of the above after they came into the King's Peace. Title confirmed in 1334.
The Baroness Grey de Ruthyn1324EnglandIn abeyance since 1963
The Baron Talbot1331 1733Great BritainCurrently in abeyance
The Baron Powis1629EnglandExtinct 1748
The Baron Grey of Powys1482EnglandIn abeyance since 1551
The Baron Conwy1703Great BritainMarquess of Hertford in the Peerage of England
The Baron Newborough1716IrelandMarquess of Cholmondeley in the Peerage of Ireland
The Baron Cardiff1776Great BritainMarquess of Bute in the Peerage of Great Britain
The Baron Newborough1776IrelandBaronet of Wynn of Bodvean
The Baron Milford1776 1847 1939UK Philipps Baronetcy
The Baron Dynevor1780Great BritainThe Rhys family claim descent from the 15th century Rhys ap Thomas
The Baron Gwydyr1796Great BritainThrough the maternal line, heirs of the Aberffraw legacy through Mary Wynn and her great granddaughter Priscilla Bertie and her descendants to 1915, when the title expired.
The Baron Mostyn1831UKBaronet Mostyn of Pengwerra
The Baron Raglan1852UKof Raglan in the County of Monmouth
The Baron Llanover1859UKAugusta Hall, Baroness Llanover was Welsh heiress, best known as a patron of the arts. Title became extinct in 1867
The Baron Tredegar1859UKBaronet Morgan of Tredegar 1792Title became extinct in 1962
The Baron Aberdare1873UK
The Baron Harlech1876UKof Harlech in the County of Merioneth
The Baron Swansea1893UKof Singleton in the County of Glamorgan
The Baron Glanusk1899UKBaronet of Bailey
The Baron Grenfell1902UKof Kilvey in the County of Glamorgan
The Baron St. Davids1908UKViscount St Davids in the Peerage of the UK
The Baron Rhondda1916UKof Llanwern in the County of Monmouth. Extinct by 1918, but the Viscountcy was inherited by his daughter.
The Baron Colwyn1917UKof Colwyn Bay in the County of Denbigh, and the Smith baronets (created in 1912)
The Baron Clwyd1919UKof Abergele in the County of Denbigh
The Baron Trevethin1921UKof Blaengawney in the County of Monmouth
The Baron Kylsant1923UKExtinct 1927
The Baron Lloyd1925UKExtinct with the second Baron Lloyd in 1985.
The Baron Davies1932UKof Llandinam in the County of Montgomery
The Baron Llewellin1945UK Extinct by 1957
The Baron Trefgarne1947UKof Cleddau in the County of Pembroke
The Baron Brecon1958UKExtinct by 1975, though survived by daughter, Janet Lewis

Welsh life peers

Territorial qualification within Wales

This is an index of Welsh life peers whose primary territorial qualification is within the historic counties of Wales. Some may have subsidiary titles outside Wales.

Name and title Territorial qualification Creation Extinction
James Atkin, Baron Atkinof Aberdovey in the County of Merioneth19281944
Daniel Granville West, Baron Granville-Westof Pontypool in the County of Monmouth19581984
John Morris, Baron Morris of Borth-y-Gestof Borth-y-Gest in the County of Caernarvon19601979
Arthur Champion, Baron Championof Pontypridd in the County of Glamorgan19621985
Alun Jones, Baron Chalfontof Llantarnam in the County of Monmouth19642020
William Wynne-Jones, Baron Wynne-Jonesof Abergele in the County of Denbigh19641982
Arwyn Davies, Baron Arwynof Glais in the County of Glamorgan19641978
Arthur Moyle, Baron Moyleof Llanidloes in the County of Montgomeryshire19651974
Thomas Jones, Baron Maelorof Rhosllanerchrugog in the County of Denbigh19661984
William David Evans, Baron Energlynof Caerphilly in the County of Glamorgan19681985
Eirene White, Baroness Whiteof Rhymney in the County of Monmouth19701970
John Brayley, Baron Brayleyof the City of Cardiff in the County of Glamorgan19731977
Rhys Lloyd, Baron Lloyd of Kilgerranof Llanwenog in the County of Cardigan19731991
Elwyn Jones, Baron Elwyn-Jonesof Llanelli in the County of Carmarthen19741989
Goronwy Roberts, Baron Goronwy-Robertsof Caernarvon and of Ogwen in the County of Caernarvon19741981
Elfed Davies, Baron Davies of Penrhysof Rhondda in the County of Mid Glamorgan19741992
Edmund Davies, Baron Edmund-Daviesof Aberpennar in the County of Mid Glamorgan19741992
Gordon Parry, Baron Parryof Neyland in the County of Dyfed19762004
Morrice James, Baron Saint Bridesof Hasguard in the County of Dyfed19771989
John Leonard, Baron Leonardof the City of Cardiff in the County of South Glamorgan19781983
John Brooks, Baron Brooks of Tremorfaof Tremorfa in the County of South Glamorgan19792016
Emlyn Hooson, Baron Hoosonof Montgomery in the County of Powys19792012
Jean McFarlane, Baroness McFarlane of Llandaffof Llandaff in the County of South Glamorgan19792012
David Gibson-Watt, Baron Gibson-Wattof the Wye in the District of Radnor19792002
Elystan Morgan, Baron Elystan-Morganof Aberteifi in the County of Dyfed19812021
Gwilym Prys Davies, Baron Prys Daviesof Llanegryn in the County of Gwynedd19832017
Hugh Griffiths, Baron Griffithsof Govilon in the County of Gwent19852015
Charles Williams, Baron Williams of Elvelof Llansantffraed in Elvel in the County of Powys19852019
Peter Thomas, Baron Thomas of Gwydirof Llanrwst in the County of Gwynedd19872008
James Callaghan, Baron Callaghan of Cardiffof the City of Cardiff in the County of Glamorgan19872005
Nicholas Edwards, Baron Crickhowellof Pont Esgob in the Black Mountains and in the County of Powys19872018
Peter Rees, Baron Reesof Goytre in the County of Gwent19872008
Roy Jenkins, Baron Jenkins of Hillheadof Pontypool in the County of Gwent19872002
Brian Morris, Baron Morris of Castle Morrisof St Dogmaels in the County of Dyfed19902001
Daphne Park, Baroness Parkof Monmouth in the County of Monmouth and of Broadway in the County of Hereford and Worcester19902010
Ivor Richard, Baron Richardof Ammanford in the County of Dyfed19902018
Brian Griffiths, Baron Griffiths of Fforestfachof Fforestfach in the County of Glamorgan1991Current
Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Baron Elis-Thomasof Nant Conwy in the County of Gwynedd1992Current
Gareth Williams, Baron Williamsof Mostyn in the County of Flintshire and of Great Tew in the County of Oxfordshire19922003
Thomas Bingham, Baron Bingham of Cornhillof Boughrood in the County of Powys19962010
Garfield Davies, Baron Daviesof Coity in the County of Glamorgan19972019
Wyn Roberts, Baron Roberts of Conwyof Talyfan in the County of Gwynedd19972013
Alex Carlile, Baron Carlileof Berriew in the County of Powys1999Current
Anita Gale, Baroness Galeof Blaenrhondda in the County of Mid Glamorgan1999Current
Julian Grenfell, Baron Grenfell of Kilveyof Kilvey in the County of Swansea2000Current
Kenneth O. Morgan, Baron Morganof Aberdyfi in the County of Gwynedd2000Current
Ilora Finlay, Baroness Finlayof Llandaff in the County of Glamorgan2001Current
Barry Jones, Baron Jonesof Deeside in the County of Clwyd2001Current
Richard Livsey, Baron Livseyof Talgarth in the County of Powys20012010
John Morris, Baron Morris of Aberavonof Aberavon in the County of West Glamorgan2001Current
Peter Temple-Morris, Baron Temple-Morrisof Llandaff in the County of South Glamorgan20012018
Leslie John Griffiths, Baron Griffiths of Burry Portof Pembrey and Burry Port in the County of Dyfed2004Current
Delyth Morgan, Baroness Morgan of Drefelinof Drefelin in the County of Dyfed2004Current
Roger Roberts, Baron Roberts of Llandudnoof Llandudno in the County of Gwynedd2004Current
Ted Rowlands, Baron Rowlandsof Merthyr Tydfil and of Rhymney in the County of Mid Glamorgan2004Current
Alan Howarth, Baron Howarth of Newportof Newport in the County of Gwent2005Current
Neil Kinnock, Baron Kinnock of Bedwelltyof Bedwellty in the County of Gwent2005Current
Donald Anderson, Baron Anderson of Swanseaof Swansea in the County of West Glamorgan2005Current
Maggie Jones, Baroness Jones of Whitchurchof Whitchurch in the County of South Glamorgan2006Current
David Rowe-Beddoe, Baron Rowe-Beddoeof Kilgetty in the County of Dyfed20062023
Richard Harries, Baron Harries of Pentregarthof Ceinewydd in the County of Dyfed2006Current
Mervyn Davies, Baron Davies of Abersochof Abersoch in the County of Gwynedd2009Current
Glenys Kinnock, Baroness Kinnock of Holyheadof Holyhead in the County of Ynys Môn20092023
Mike German, Baron Germanof Llanfrechfa in the County Borough of Torfaen2010Current
Don Touhig, Baron Touhigof Islwyn and Glansychan in the County of Gwent2010Current
Michael Williams, Baron Williams of Baglanof Neath Port Talbot in Glamorgan20102017
Dafydd Wigley, Baron Wigleyof Caernarfon in the County of Gwynedd2011Current
Rowan Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouthof Oystermouth in the City and County of Swansea2013Current
Nicholas Bourne, Baron Bourne of Aberystwythof Aberystwyth in the County of Ceredigion
and of Wethersfield in the County of Essex
2013Current
Christine Humphreys, Baroness Humphreysof Llanrwst in the County of Conwy2013Current
John Thomas, Baron Thomas of Cwmgieddof Cwmgiedd in the County of Powys2013Current
Robert Rogers, Baron Lisvaneof Blakemere in the County of Herefordshire
and of Lisvane in the City and County of Cardiff
2014Current
Stephen Gilbert, Baron Gilbert of Pantegof Panteg in the County of Monmouthshire2015Current
Paul Murphy, Baron Murphy of Torfaenof Abersychan in the County of Gwent2015Current
Peter Hain, Baron Hainof Neath in the County of West Glamorgan2015Current
Byron Davies, Baron Davies of Gowerof Gower in the County of Swansea2019Current
Debbie Wilcox, Baroness Wilcox of Newportof Newport in the City of Newport2019Current
Claire Fox, Baroness Fox of Buckleyof Buckley in the County of Flintshire2020Current
David Wolfson, Baron Wolfson of Tredegarof Tredegar in the County of Gwent2020Current
Kay Swinburne, Baroness Swinburneof Llandysul in the County of Ceredigion2023Current
Carmen Smith, Baroness Smith of Llanfaesof Llanfaes in the County of Ynys Môn2024Current
Richard Hermer, Baron Hermerof Penylan in the City of Cardiff2024Current
David Hanson, Baron Hanson of Flintof Flint in the County of Flintshire2024Current

Territorial qualification outside Wales

This is a list of Welsh life peers whose territorial qualification is outside Wales, with no qualification within Wales.

Name and title Territorial qualification Creation Extinction
Geoffrey Howe, Baron Howe of Aberavonof Tandridge in the County of Surrey19922015
Nicholas Phillips, Baron Phillips of Worth Matraversof Belsize Park in the London Borough of Camden1998Current
Michael Heseltine, Baron Heseltineof Thenford in the County of Northamptonshire2001Current
Richard Wilson, Baron Wilson of Dintonof Dinton in the County of Buckinghamshire2002Current
Alan West, Baron West of Spitheadof Seaview in the County of the Isle of Wight2007Current

Baronetcy titles

A baronet (traditional abbreviation Bart, modern abbreviation Bt) or the rare female equivalent, a baronetess (abbreviation Btss), is the holder of a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown known as a baronetcy.

The name baronet is a diminutive of the peerage title baron. The rank of a baronet is between that of a baron and a knight; it has never entitled the bearer to a seat in the House of Lords, but it is hereditary.

Baronetcy Territorial qualificationCreation/extinctionOther titles/notes
Philippsof Picton Castle in the County of Pembroke1661Viscount St Davids
Wynnof Gwydir in the County of Caernarfon1611 1719
Stradlingof St Donats in the County of Glamorgan1611 1738
Salusburyof Lleweni in the County of Denbigh1619 1684
Williamsof Vaynol in the County of Carnarvon1622 1696
Williamsof Llangibby in the County of Monmouth1642 1753
Williamsof Guernevet in the County of Brecon1644 1695
Williams-Bulkeleyof Penrhyn in the County of Caernarfon1661
Williams-Wynnof Gray's Inn in Middlesex1688
Williamsof Edwinsford in the County of Carmarthen1707 1745
Baylyof Plas Newydd in the County of Anglesey1730Marquess of Anglesey
Wynnof Bodvean in the county of Caernafonshire1742Baron Newborough
Mostynof Pengwerra in the County of Flint1778Baron Mostyn
Morganof Tredegar in the County of Monmouth1792Baron Tredegar
Salusburyof Llanwern in the County of Monmouth1795 1868
Williamsof Bodelwyddan in the County of Flint1798Williams-Wynn Baronets of Gray's Inn
Baileyof Glanusk Park in the County of Brecon1852Baron Glanusk
Vivianof Singleton, in the County of Glamorgan1882Baron Swansea
of Gwynfryn and Cefneuddwr in the counties of Caernarfon and Merioneth1897/1920
Williamsof Castell Deudraeth, and Borthwen in the County of Merioneth1909
Smithof Colwyn Bay, in the County of Denbigh1912Baron Colwyn
Rhys-Williamsof Miskin in the County of Glamorgan1918
Philippsof Llanstephan in the County of Radnor1919Baron Milford
Llewellynof Bwlffa, Aberdare in the County of Glamorgan1922
Williamsof Glynwr in the County of Carmarthen1935 1959
Williamsof Cilgeraint in the County of Caernarfon1953
Llewellynof Baglan, in the County of Glamorgan1959

See also

Notes and References

  1. See Earl of Carnarvon
  2. Complete title is Earl of the Town and County of Carnarvon