The title was created for the first time in the Peerage of England in 1660 (as Countess of Guilford) for Elizabeth Boyle.

The title was created for a second time in the Peerage of England in 1674 for John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale.

Despite the first two creations, the title of Earl of Guilford is chiefly associated with one branch of the North family, which descends from the Hon.

He died in middle age and was succeeded by his son, the second Baron, who briefly served as President of the Board of Trade from 1713 to 1714 and was also Lord-Lieutenant of Essex.

In 1734 he succeeded his cousin as seventh Baron North and in 1752 was honoured by being created Earl of Guilford in the Peerage of Great Britain.

North also held two of the other great offices of state, those of Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary.

His son, the eighth Earl, was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal East Kent Yeomanry and also Territorial Force Reserve, and a lieutenant in the 4th battalion Gloucester regiment.

His son Charles Frederic North (1887–1979) was Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1947 to 1953.