The earldom was first created for Harvey of Léon, who married Sybilla, an illegitimate daughter of King Stephen.
The title lapsed after Harvey lost his English lands during the Anarchy, since at that time one could not be an earl without the territory to support the dignity.
[1] Patrick of Salisbury, Earl of Wiltshire, passed the title to his great-granddaughter Margaret Longespée.
The earldom was next held by three members of the Stafford family, beginning with John, a younger son of the 1st Duke of Buckingham.
Anne Boleyn's father Thomas was the recipient of the next creation, but after outliving his son and with no other male heirs upon his death the title became vacant.