Earl Spencer is a title in the
Peerage of Great Britain that was created on 1 November 1765, along with the title
Viscount Althorp, of Althorp in the County of Northamptonshire, for
John Spencer, 1st Viscount Spencer. He was a member of the prominent
Spencer family and a great-grandson of the
1st Duke of Marlborough. Previously, he had been created
Viscount Spencer, of Althorp in the County of Northamptonshire, and
Baron Spencer of Althorp, of Althorp in the County of Northamptonshire, on 3 April 1761.