Earl is the oldest title of nobility in the British peerage. The title originated during the reign of King Canute (A.D. 994?-1035), a Danish ruler of England. Canute divided England into military districts ruled by earls. The title comes from the Danish word jarl, meaning leader. It is equivalent to a count in European nobility. Earl was the highest ranking title until Edward, the Black Prince (1330-1376), was made Duke of Cornwall. Later the title became third in rank, with duke and marquess above it. An earl’s wife is a countess. See also Canute ; Edward .
