The title of Earl of Shaftesbury was created in 1672 for Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Baron Ashley, a prominent politician in the Cabal then dominating the policies of King Charles II.
Earls of Shaftesbury (1672)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury (1621-1683)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 2nd Earl of Shaftesbury (1652-1699)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury (1671-1713)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 4th Earl of Shaftesbury (1711-1771)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 5th Earl of Shaftesbury (1761-1811)
- Cropley Ashley Cooper, 6th Earl of Shaftesbury (1768-1851)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (1801-1885)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 8th Earl of Shaftesbury (1831-1886)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 9th Earl of Shaftesbury (1869-1961)
- Anthony Ashley Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury (b. 1938)