Talk:Georgiana Spencer, Countess Spencer

Latest comment: 3 years ago by Bricology in topic An earldom granted by a duke? Nope.

An earldom granted by a duke? Nope. edit

In the lede, the fifth sentence states "The Spencers became earl and countess in 1765, a reward granted by the Duke of Newcastle for John's political loyalty to the Whig party" (emphasis mine). This is confusing, or perhaps just confused. Dukes have never had the authority to grant titles of nobility; that honor belonged exclusively to the sovereign (in this instance, George III). It may well be that the Duke requested that George grant John Spencer that title, but he could not have bestowed it. This should be rewritten (and properly sourced) or removed. Bricology (talk) 20:08, 8 September 2020 (UTC)Reply