On arrival at a certain place within the precincts of the stronghold the mayor had the great mace lowered from an upright position as a token of acknowledgment to the ancient feudal EARLS within their castle.
"England in the Days of Old"
William Andrews
The oldest parts of this have stood since 1457 and it is said that here once was a palace of the old EARLS of Cornwall, which is quite probable, as they could hardly have chosen a better spot.
"Cornwall"
G. E. Mitton
Then young Thynne, he's no end of a swell, no doubt; but you may be cousin to all kinds of EARLS and dukes without their giving you anything.
"The Beautiful Wretch; The Pupil of Aurelius; and The Four Macnicols"
William Black