Earl of Norfolk is a title which has been created several times in the Peerage of England. The title was held in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Bigod family, and then was later held by the Mowbrays, who were also made Dukes of Norfolk. Due to the Bigod's descent in the female line from William Marshal, they inherited the hereditary office of Earl Marshal, still held by the Dukes of Norfolk today. The present title was created in 1644 for Thomas Howard, 18th Earl of Arundel, the heir of the Howard Dukedom of Norfolk which had been forfeit in 1572. Arundel's grandson, the 20th Earl of Arundel and 3rd Earl of Norfolk, was restored to the Dukedom as 5th Duke upon the Restoration in 1660, and the title continues to be borne by the Dukes of Norfolk.
Earls of Norfolk, first Creation (1070)
- Ralph de Gael, 1st Earl of Norfolk (d. 1097) (forfeit 1074)
Earls of Norfolk, second Creation (1141)
Earls of Norfolk, third Creation (1312)
Earls of Norfolk, fourth Creation (1477)
Earls of Norfolk, fifth Creation (1644)
For later Earls of Norfolk, see Duke of Norfolk