Baron Carrickfergus

Prince William, Baron Carrickfergus (pictured in 2010)

Baron Carrickfergus is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, referring to Carrickfergus in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Its current holder, since its creation on 29 April 2011, is Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, who was granted the title as a personal gift, by Queen Elizabeth II, on the day of his wedding to Catherine Middleton. On the same day he was also created Duke of Cambridge and Earl of Strathearn, with his bride becoming Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge as a result of the marriage. In addition she will hold the subsidiary titles of Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus. Traditionally, when male members of the British royal family marry, they are granted at least one peerage.

History of title and town

A barony, referring to Carrickfergus, had previously existed between 1841 and 1883. George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall, was created Baron Ennishowen and Carrickfergus, of Ennishowen in the County of Donegal and Carrickfergus in the County of Antrim, in 1841 by Queen Victoria. When he died in 1883, the Barony of Ennishowen and Carrickfergus became extinct; the Marquessate of Donegall was inherited by his brother, Lord Edward Chichester.

Carrickfergus is the oldest town in County Antrim. It has been a major port and town in the Province of Ulster for centuries. Its name translated from Irish means 'Rock of Fergus', and it is an older settlement than the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Carrickfergus's main feature is Carrickfergus Castle, on the north shore of the Belfast Lough, which was built around 1180 by John de Courcy.