For well over 150 years Chester was ruled over by a succession of related Norman Earls who held the Earldom "by the sword" for and on behalf of the English Crown. From Walter de Gerbod who was awarded the title in 1069, these eight related French noblemen held power in the northwest region of England until 1237, when upon the death of John the Scot, the Earldom reverted to the English Crown where it continues to remain today.
