An earldom is a historical title of nobility in England, equivalent to a count in other countries. Earls are ranked below dukes and above viscounts in the British peerage system. The title often comes with land and responsibilities, and it has been a significant part of the British aristocracy since the Anglo-Saxon period. Earldoms can be hereditary, passed down through generations, or created by the monarch. The holder of an earldom is known as an earl, and they may have specific duties, such as overseeing local governance and maintaining law and order within their territory.