Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Duke of Clarence
Duke of Clarence – The History of the House of Clarence
The name Clarence is one of the most traditional titles in England. Its history began in 1362 when King Edward III elevated his son Lionel of Antwerp to the title of Duke of Clarence. The name derived from the Honour of Clare, a large estate complex that Lionel had inherited through his marriage to Elizabeth de Burgh. As a royal governor in Ireland, he combined noble status with practical government experience. His only daughter, Philippa, married Edmund Mortimer; through this connection, Lionel's lineage later became significant for the claim to the throne of the House of York.
In the 15th century, Henry IV granted the title to his son Thomas of Lancaster. Thomas accompanied his brother Henry V on his campaigns in France, at times led the English troops, and was considered a powerful representative of the Lancastrian royal family. After his last battle at Baugé in 1421, the title returned to the crown.
A particularly colorful episode began in 1461 with George Plantagenet, the younger brother of Edward IV. Through his marriage to Isabel Neville, the daughter of the powerful Earl of Warwick, Clarence was at the center of the political drama of the Wars of the Roses. Ambition, shifting alliances, and court rivalries made him one of the most famous figures of his time. His children Margaret Pole and Edward of Warwick preserved the Clarence lineage in the next generation.
Later, the title reappeared in the House of Hanover. King George III granted it to his son William in 1789. The former naval officer had Clarence House built and ascended the British throne as William IV in 1830. With his accession, the duchy passed into the crown. This marks a further progression: from the Plantagenets to Lancaster and York, to a 19th-century king. Clarence remained a name alive in royal service, dynastic connections, and major turning points in English history.
Sources: The Royal Family, Encyclopaedia Britannica, The History of Parliament, Historical Association
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Duke of Clarence
The depiction follows the Coat of arms George Plantagenets, 1st Duke of Clarence, during the third instalment. It is based on the embroidered royal coats Coat of arms of France and England with the special Clarence tournament collar.
In the first and fourth fields, three golden lilies in blue; two above; in the second and third fields, three golden, roaring and staring lions, one above the other; over all a silver tournament collar with three fringes, each fringe with a red canton.
George Plantagenet lived from 1449 to 1478. He was the son of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and a brother of the English kings Edward IV.
Sources: Cambridge University Heraldic & Genealogical Society, 1st Duke of Clarence, Wikimedia Commons, A Complete Guide to Heraldry, Chapter 31, Duke of Clarence
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
