EDWARD SOMERSET, 2nd marquess of Worcester (1601-1667), is better known by the title of earl of Glamorgan, this earldom having been conferred upon him, although somewhat irregularly, by Charles I. in 1644. Under the Commonwealth he was formally banished from England and his estates were seized. At the Restoration his estates were restored, and he claimed the duke dom of Somerset promised to him by Charles I., but he did not obtain this, nor was his earldom of Glamorgan recognized.
See Henry Dircks, Life, Times and Scientific Labours of the 2nd Marquess of Worcester (1865) ; Sir J. T. Gilbert, History of the Irish Confederation and the War in Ireland (Dubin, His only son HENRY (1629-1700) , the 3rd marquess, abandoned the Roman Catholic religion and was a member of one of Crom well's parliaments. But he was quietly loyal to Charles II., who
in 1682 created him duke of Beaufort. As the defender of Bristol, the duke took a considerable part in checking the progress of the duke of Monmouth in 1685, but in 1688 he surrendered the city to William of Orange. He inherited Badminton, still the residence of the dukes of Beaufort, and died there on the 21st of January 1700. The Worcester title was henceforth merged in that of Beaufort (q.v.). Henry, the 7th duke (1792-1853), was one of the greatest sportsmen of his day, and the Badminton hunt owed much to him and his successors, the 8th duke (1824-1899) and 9th duke