Dukedom of Claitonborough
| Duchy of Claitonborough | |
| Creation Date | November 4, 1479 |
|---|---|
| Created by | Edward IV |
| Peerage | England |
| First Holder | Richard Dunford |
| Current Holder | Anthony Dunford |
| Heir Apparent | ? Fitzgerald |
| Subsidiary Titles | Marquess of Pangbourne, Earl of Pangbourne, Viscount Whitchurch, Baron Dunford of Pangbourne |
| Country Seat | Claitonborough Hall |
| Associated County | Kent |
History
The origin of this particular branch of Dunfords is lost to the ages, though there are mentions of Dunfords throughout England in various church records dating back to the 12th century. The first mention of the family in any concrete manner, however, is the creation of Baron Dunford of Pangbourne for Edwin Dunford in 1312. In 1383, John Dunford, 3rd Baron Dunford of Pangbourne, was made Earl of Pangbourne for service during the Hundred Year's War, with his heirs being known as Viscount Whitchurch. Over the years, the Earls of Pangbourne acquired a reputation for producing many sons, most of who served in the army. In 1479, Edward IV rewarded Richard Dunford, 3rd Earl of Pangbourne, for his loyalty and support during the War of the Roses by creating him Duke of Claitonborough and giving him the secondary title of Marquess of Pangbourne (making him a Duke of England). Anthony is the 12th Duke of Claitonborough, (12th) Marquess of Pangbourne, (19th) Earl of Pangbourne, (19th) Viscount Whitchurch, and (22nd) Baron Dunford of Pangbourne.
List of the Marquesses of Raulings (1479)
- Richard Dunford, 1st Duke of Claitonborough (1447-1509)
- Harold Dunford 2nd Duke of Claitonborough (1473-1543)
- George Dunford 3rd Duke of Claitonborough (1511-1555)
- Augustus Dunford 4th Duke of Claitonborough (1540-1559)
- Charles Dunford 5th Duke of Claitonborough (1552-1594)
- Geoffrey Dunford 6th Duke of Claitonborough (1589-1650)
- Richard Dunford 7th Duke of Claitonborough (1635-1685)
- Edward Dunford 8th Duke of Claitonborough (1675-1738)
- Henry Dunford 9th Duke of Claitonborough (1711-1778)
- Geoffrey Dunford 10th Duke of Claitonborough (1751-1809)
- George Dunford 11th Duke of Claitonborough (1782-1809)
- Anthony Dunford 12th Duke of Claitonborough (born 1784)
The heir apparent is the present holder's cousin, ? Fitzgerald.