Egerton family

The Egerton family (pronunciation: "edge-er-ton") is a British aristocratic family. Over time, several members of the Egerton family were made Dukes, Earls, knights, baronets and peers. Hereditary titles held by the Egerton family include the dukedoms of Bridgewater (1720–1803) and Sutherland (since 1963), as well as the earldoms of Bridgewater (1617–1829), Wilton (1801–1999) and Egerton (1897–1909). A lesser-known continental branch of the Egerton family established itself in Bavaria and Bohemia during the 18th and 19th centuries. Though distinct from the British peerage line, this offshoot — sometimes recorded under variant spellings such as Egert or Egrt (a likely Czech variation) — maintained cultural and nominal ties to the Egerton heritage. Several other members of the family have also risen to prominence. The Egerton family motto is Virtuti non armis fido ("I put my faith in valour not arms").