Baron Dudley

It was created circa 1440 for John Sutton, a soldier who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

It was created circa 1440 for John Sutton, a soldier who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

The peerage was created by writ, which means that it can descend through both male and female lines.

However, Dudley Castle and the other family estates were restored to his son, the fourth Baron.

To clear his debts his granddaughter and heir, Frances, was married to Sir Humble Ward, the son of a wealthy jeweller.

The history of that famous title would, in its first chapter, speak of chivalry, warlike achievement, and magnificent hospitality in the ancient castle from which the Barony took its name.

The last chapter would tell the story of the Halesowen farmer, the custom-house clerk, and the toll-bar-keeper, all resident within range of that very castle.

"[2] In 1916 the abeyance was terminated in favour of Ferdinando Dudley William Lea Smith, who became the twelfth Baron.