NORTHAMPTON, EARLS AND MARQUESSES OF. The Northampton title has been held in various English families. About 108o Simon de Senlis (d. 1109), a Norman noble, and the builder of Northampton castle, was created earl of Northampton as well as earl of Huntingdon by William the Conqueror; his son Simon (d. 1153) was also recognized in the title about 1141, though his stepfather, David, king of Scotland (1084-1153), had meanwhile obtained the earldom in right of his wife. The second Simon died childless. In 1337 William de Bohun (c. 1310-60), a son of Humphrey de Bohun, 4th earl of Hereford and 3rd earl of Essex, was created earl of Northampton; and his son Humphrey, who succeeded, fell heir in 1361 to the earldoms of Hereford and Essex, which thus became united under that of Hereford. The titles, however, became extinct at his death in 1372.
In 1547 William Parr 0513-70, son of Sir Thomas Parr and brother of Catherine Parr, queen of Henry VIII., was created marquess of Northampton, and though attainted in 1553 was re created marquess in 1559. He favoured the claim of Lady Jane
Grey to the English throne. Although sentenced to death he was pardoned and released from prison at the end of 1553. North ampton died at Warwick on Oct. 28, 157i. He left no children and his marquessate became extinct. In 1604 Henry Howard (see below) was created earl of Northampton, his title dying with him. It next passed into the Compton family, where it has since remained. The 1st earl of Northampton in this line, William Compton (d. 1630), who received the title in 1618, was a great grandson of the Sir William Compton (1482-1528) who was with Henry VIII. at the Field of the Cloth of Gold, and his son the 2nd earl is noticed below. The 9th earl, Charles Compton (176o 1828), was created a marquess in 1812, receiving at the same time the titles of Earl Compton and Baron Wilmington.