The Duke of Northampton is a title in the British peerage, created in 1876. The title is associated with the historic county of Northamptonshire. The current holder is the 8th Duke, who succeeded his father in 2015. The Duke's family has a long history, with roots tracing back to the 12th century. The Duke of Northampton is part of the House of Spencer, a prominent family in British history. The title is often linked to various estates and properties, including Althorp, the ancestral home of the Spencers. The Duke plays a ceremonial role in British society and contributes to charitable activities.