Arms: of Lascelles: Sable, a Cross-Patoncé within a Bordure, Or. Crest: A Bear's Head couped at the neck Ermine, muzzled Gules, buckled Or, collared Gules, rimed and studded Or. Supporters: On either side a Bear Ermine, muzzled and collared Gules, buckled with chain reflexed over the back Or, the collar studded and rimmed Gold, and pendent therefrom an Escutcheon Sable, charged with a Cross-Patoncé Gold[1]
The title was created in 1812 for Edward Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, a wealthy sugar plantation owner and former Member of Parliament for Northallerton. He had already been created Baron Harewood, of Harewood in the County of York, in 1796, in the Peerage of Great Britain,[5] and was made Viscount Lascelles at the same time as he was given the earldom. The viscountcy is used as the courtesy title by the heir apparent to the earldom. Lascelles was the second cousin and heir at law of Edwin Lascelles, who already in 1790 had been created Baron Harewood, of Harewood Castle in the County of York (in the Peerage of Great Britain). However, this title became extinct on his death in 1795.
The Earl was succeeded by his son, the second Earl. He notably represented Yorkshire, Westbury and Northallerton in the House of Commons. His son, the third Earl, also sat as Member of Parliament for Northallerton. His great-grandson, the sixth Earl, married Princess Mary, daughter of King George V. He was succeeded by their eldest son, the seventh Earl, in 1947. He was a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and was in the line of succession to the British Throne. The titles are currently held by the latter's son, the eighth Earl, who succeeded in 2011.
The family seat is Harewood House, near Leeds, Yorkshire. The name of the house, like the title of the barony and earldom, is pronounced: "Harwood". The family name is pronounced to rhyme with "tassels". The traditional burial place of the Lascelles Earls of Harewood is All Saints' Church, Harewood.[6]