Talk:Earl of Bradford

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Henry Newport, third Earl of Bradford had an illegitimate son to whom he left his estate and required the son to change his name to Newport. The letters patent granting the first Barony made it hereditary to the male line (not legitimate issue). Why is it that the titles became extinct instead of passing to Henry's son John?

British peerages descend heirs male lawfully begotten. This barony was no different. Even where in a few examples the latter is missing from the grant it has no different meaning. In English common law a bastard wasn't an heir so wouldn't count as heirs male in the patent. Alci12 19:33, 17 November 2006 (UTC)