palatinates

Palatinates were border regions where the demands of security dictated that the local rulers should have special powers, particularly to raise troops and to administer justice to all levels. The earldom of Chester, created in 1071, gradually acquired palatinate privileges, its tenants-in-chief holding directly of the earl and paying all taxes to him. But after 1237 the earldom was taken into the crown and became in due course part of the territories of the princes of Wales. The privileges of Durham, the other great palatinate, go back beyond the Conquest to an independent Northumbria. The palatine powers were exercised by the bishops. The county of Lancaster was granted palatine status in 1351, though its privileges were less than those of Cheshire or Durham. The palatine status remained with John of Gaunt and then descended through Henry IV with the crown.