The Earl of Southampton is a title in the English peerage, first created in 1554. It is associated with the historic county of Hampshire and has been held by various noble families over the centuries. The title is part of the Peerage of England and has often been linked to significant political and military figures in British history. One of the most notable holders of the title was Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd Earl of Southampton, who was a patron of the playwright William Shakespeare. The title has seen several revivals and is currently held by the Wriothesley family, maintaining its historical significance in British aristocracy.