Duke of Ireland

The title of Duke of Ireland was created in 1386 for Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, the favourite of King Richard II of England, who had previously been created Marquess of Dublin. Both titles were Life peerages. At this time, only the Pale of Ireland (the Lordship of Ireland) was under English rule. Despite its name, the Dukedom of Ireland is generally considered to have been one in the Peerage of England, and is the first time that a Ducal title was created for someone who was not a close relative of the King.

The coat of arms of the Lordship of Ireland

The arms with three crowns that were granted to Duke Robert as an augmentation to his arms in 1386 continued to be used for nearly a century as the arms of the Lordship of Ireland.^[1]

The Duke fell from favour shortly after receiving the title, which was forfeited in 1388. The title of "Duke of Ireland" was never used again.

Dukes of Ireland (1386)

also Marquess of Dublin (for life, 1385–1388), Earl of Oxford (1142–1388)

• Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland (d. 1392) forfeited his titles in 1388. Life Peerage.

See also

• Earl of Oxford

Footnotes

1. ^ Fox-Davies, Complete Guide to Heraldry, p. 596; Oxford Guide to Heraldry, p. 69.