Sir – Robert Harley, the patron of Daniel Defoe, was never Earl of Oxford (History Man, April 24). He was created Earl of Oxford and Mortimer in 1711.
The earldom of Oxford was not considered extinct with the death without male heir in 1703 of the 20th de Vere earl, but dormant, and awaits a claim a de Vere who can establish that he has senior unbroken male descent from one of the previous 19 de Vere earls. Herbert Asquith was similarly constrained in his title choice in 1925 and became the Earl of Oxford and Asquith.
Frank Bland, Oxford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here