Definition
Baron Raglan is a hereditary title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, created in 1858. Holders of the title are styled "Lord Raglan" and are addressed as "The Right Honourable."
Overview
The barony was bestowed upon Lieutenant-General Sir FitzRoy Somerset, who had distinguished himself as a senior commander during the Crimean War and later served as the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the Crimean and Salonika fronts. The title was created on 20 May 1858 by Queen Victoria, with the territorial designation “of Raglan in the County of Monmouth.” The barony has been passed down through the male line of the Somerset family, with successive holders often involved in military, political, or public service. The family seat historically was Cefntilla Court in Monmouthshire, although the current holder may reside elsewhere.
Etymology/Origin
The title derives its name from Raglan, a village and historic parish in Monmouthshire, Wales, notable for Raglan Castle, a prominent Tudor-era stronghold. The Somerset family’s association with the region and the castle’s symbolic status influenced the selection of the territorial designation.
Characteristics
- Creation Date: 20 May 1858
- Peerage: United Kingdom
- First Holder: FitzRoy James Henry Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan (1788–1855)
- Succession: Primogeniture (male-preference) within the legitimate male descendants of the first baron.
- Motto: “Deuntes in periculis” (“Bold in danger”) – historically associated with the Somerset family.
- Heraldry: The coat of arms features the quarterly arms of the Somerset family, incorporating a black lion rampant on a gold field and other heraldic elements indicating the family's lineage and honors.
Related Topics
- Peerage of the United Kingdom – The system of hereditary and life peerages to which the barony belongs.
- FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan – Military career and role in the Crimean War.
- Raglan Castle – Historic seat in Monmouthshire linked to the title’s territorial designation.
- British Military History (19th century) – Context for the first baron’s service and subsequent familial contributions.
- Cefntilla Court – Former family residence associated with the Barons Raglan.