Carmarthen ministry facts for kids

During the late 1600s, England had a government known as the Carmarthen–Godolphin ministry. This group of important officials worked together to help King William III and Queen Mary II run the country. It was active from 1690 to 1694.

What Was the Carmarthen–Godolphin Ministry?

A "ministry" is like a team of top government leaders. They are chosen by the monarch (the King or Queen) to manage different parts of the country's affairs. This particular ministry is named after two of its most influential members: The Marquess of Carmarthen and The Lord Godolphin.

Key People and Their Jobs

The Carmarthen–Godolphin ministry included many important roles. Each person had a specific job to help govern England. Here are some of the main positions and who held them during this time:

• Lord President of the Council: This person was a chief advisor to the King and Queen. They led important meetings of the Privy Council. The Marquess of Carmarthen held this role for a long time.
• First Lord of the Treasury: This official was in charge of the country's money and finances. The Lord Godolphin of Rialton was a key figure in this position.
• Chancellor of the Exchequer: This role also dealt with the nation's money, especially collecting taxes and managing spending. Richard Hampden held this important financial job.
• Lord Keeper: This person was a top legal official, often acting like a chief judge or head of the legal system. For some time, this role was handled by a group of people, until The Lord Somers took over.
• Secretaries of State: These officials were responsible for foreign affairs and internal matters. There were usually two: one for the Northern Department and one for the Southern Department. They handled communications and policies for different parts of the world and England.
• Archbishop of Canterbury: This was the most senior bishop in the Church of England. John Tillotson held this spiritual leadership role.
• Lord Privy Seal: This official was responsible for the monarch's personal seal, used to approve important documents.
• Lord Steward and Lord Chamberlain: These roles managed the royal household and its affairs.
• Master-General of the Ordnance: This person was in charge of military supplies, weapons, and fortifications.
• Lord High Admiral: This official was responsible for the Royal Navy and naval defense.

Who Was in Charge?

The table below shows the key people who served in the Carmarthen–Godolphin ministry and how long they held their positions. It gives you a snapshot of who was doing what in the government during these years.

The End of the Ministry

The Carmarthen–Godolphin ministry lasted for about four years, from 1690 to 1694. After this period, a new group of leaders, known as the First Whig Junto, took over the government. This was a common way for governments to change during that time.