Duke of Somerset is a title in the peerage of England that has been created several times. Derived from the county of Somerset, it is particularly associated with two families: the Beauforts who held the title from the creation of 1448, and the Seymours from the creation of 1547, in whose name the title is still held. The present dukedom is unique, in that the first holder of the title created it for himself in his capacity of Lord Protector of the Kingdom of England, using a power granted in the Will of his nephew King Edward VI.