The Names of the Great Houses of Westeros, Explored and Explained

House Bolton

House Bolton may not technically be a proper Great House of Westeros, but their name is still worth examining.

“Bolton” is an Anglo-Saxon name. The Anglos, Saxons and Jutes were all invaded Britain at one time or another, although they don’t have the reputation as invaders that the Danes or the Normans do.

You might know the name “Bolton” from Bolton Castle, a 14th-century castle in Yorkshire. The owner of Bolton Castle used to be Duke Bolton, but in 1797, his line died out, and a Baron Bolton, Thomas Orde-Powlett, stepped in. Orde-Powlett became Baron Bolton by marrying the illegitimate daughter of the penultimate Duke of Bolton. That’s the game of thrones in action.