Lord of the Isle of Wight

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The Lord of the Isle of Wight is a title that began when William the Conqueror granted the Isle of Wight to William Fitz Osbern. This was a hereditary title.

The last Lord of the Island of Wight was actually not a lord, but a lady. Countess Isabella de Fortibus acquired the lordship when her brother died in 1262. The countess had been widowed in 1261, and became the wealthiest female in the British Islands who was not a member of a royal family. Isabella dwelled in Carisbrooke Castle. She exercised her rights and privileges as feudal overlord of the Isle of Wight. In 1293, while lying on her death bed, the countess sold the Island to Edward I for 6,000 marks.

The Lordship thereafter became a Royal appointment, with a brief interruption when Henry de Beauchamp, 1st Duke of Warwick was crowned King of the Isle of Wight, King Henry VI assisting in person at the ceremony, placing the crown on his head. He died in 1445, aged 22. With no male heir, his regal title expired with him.