Capell family, Earls of Essex

Sir William Capell (d. 1515), a London merchant, acquired estates in west Essex and east Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Somerset. Further Somerset estates were acquired through the marriage of his son, Sir Giles Capell (d. 1555/6). Arthur Capell (d. 1649), created Baron Capell in 1641, married in 1627 Elizabeth Morrison of Cassiobury (Hertfordshire), which became the family's principal seat. She also brought, through her mother Elizabeth, younger daughter of the 1st Viscount Campden, former Hicks properties in Warwickshire (Ilmington) and Gloucestershire (Tewkesbury and Cheltenham). (Other Hicks estates descended to the Noel family, Earls of Gainsborough). The 2nd Baron Capell was created Earl of Essex in 1661. Many Capell and Hicks family lands were sold in the later 17th and 18th centuries. Through the marriage of the 4th Earl of Essex in 1754, however, the Capells inherited estates in Warwickshire (Shuttington), Herefordshire (Hampton Court, sold in 1808) and Ireland (Roscommon, Meath etc.) from the Coningsby family.

Estates in 1883: 5,545 acres in Hertfordshire; 3,090 acres in Essex; 690 acres in Warwickshire; 2,906 acres in Roscommon; 1,303 acres in Meath; 678 acres in Wicklow; 658 acres in Co. Dublin; worth a total of £18,936 a year.