Earl of Kent

In fiction, the Earl of Kent is also known as a prominent supporting character in William Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear.

After William, Duke of Normandy conquered England, Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, his half-brother, was awarded the Earldom of Kent, the second creation.

John died aged 22 and all his land was passed to his sister Joan, Countess of Kent.

The Greys were a baronial family with substantial property in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and later around Ruthin in Wales.

He was a member of Edward IV's council, became Lord Treasurer in 1463/4, was created Earl of Kent in 1465 and was keeper of the Tower of London in 1470.

A good part ended up in the crown's hands; historians disagree regarding what this says about Henry VII's relationship with the aristocracy.

Henry tried, with little success, to reacquire the property Richard had sold, and had to live as a modest gentleman, never formally taking title as earl.