Trịnh lords (1545–1787), also known as Trịnh clan or House of Trịnh, are a noble feudal clan who are the de facto rulers of northern Vietnam (namely Đàng Ngoài) while Nguyễn lords rule central and southern Vietnam (namely Đàng Trong) during the Later Lê dynasty.
Rulers of both of the two houses refer to themselves as Chúa (lord) and contro their countries while the Later Lê emperors do not have any real power, only maintaining their title.
The Trịnh lords trace their descent from Trịnh Khả, a friend and advisor to the fifteenth-century Vietnamese Emperor Lê Lợi.
The Trịnh clan has officially twelve lords that rule Northern Vietnam and the royal court of Later Lê dynasty for more than two centuries.
