Clarence

Clarence, an English ducal title, conferred for the first time in 1362 on Lionel, second son of Edward III. and Philippa. Its origin has by some been traced to Clarence, a French name of the Greek Klarenza or Glarentsa (Ital. Chiarenza), a decayed port on the west coast of the Peloponnese, 50 miles SW. of Patras. Before the invasion of the Turks it was an important place, and gave the title of duke to the eldest son of the prince of Achaia. That title is said to have come into England through Philippa, daughter of the Count of Hainault, and wife of Edward III. Other authorities derive it from the ancient Suffolk town of Clare (q.v.). The most notable Dukes of Clarence, all royal, are the second son of Henry IV., who fell at the battle of Beaugé (1421); the third son of Richard of York, and brother of King Edward IV. (Shake- spere's Clarence), who perished in the Tower in 1478—in a butt of Malmsey, according to three contemporary writers; William IV., who was Duke of Clarence before his accession; and Prince Albert-Victor of Wales, who was born 8th January 1864, and died 14th January 1892.