Lancaster Lancashire United Kingdom

…Lancashire.

…Lancashire to the north of Ribble, …

Edward bestows an even greater honor on Henry of Grosmont in 1351 when he creates him Duke of Lancaster.

The title of duke is of relatively new origin in England; only one other ducal title existed previously (the Duke of Cornwall, a title created for Edward, the Black Prince, in 1337).

In addition to this, Lancaster is given palatinate status for the county of Lancashire, which entails a separate administration independent of the crown.

This grant is quite exceptional in English history; only two other counties palatine exist: Durham, which is an ancient ecclesiastical palatinate, and Chester, which is crown property.

It is a sign of Edward's high regard for Lancaster that he has bestowed such extensive privileges on him.

The two men are second cousins through their great-grandfather Henry III and practically coeval (Edward was born in 1312), so it is natural to assume that a strong sense of camaraderie exists between them.

Another factor that may have influenced the king's decision is the fact that Henry has no male heir, so the grant is made for the Earl's lifetime only, and not intended to be hereditary.

The fourth son of Edward III of England, John of Gaunt (born across the English Channel in Ghent, whence his name, anglicized to Gaunt, derives), in 1359 marries Blanche, heiress of Lancaster.

Having thus secured her large holdings, he becomes duke of Lancaster.

John of Gaunt, English king Edward III’s fourth son, secures the large holdings of his wife, Blanche, heiress of Lancaster, at her death in 1368 and becomes duke of Lancaster.