Clerk of the Ordnance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Office of the Clerk of the Ordnance |
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Board of Ordnance Arms preserved on a gun tampion in Gibraltar
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| Member of | Board of Ordnance (1545-1855) |
| Reports to | Master-General of the Ordnance |
| Appointer | Prime Minister
Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council
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| Term length | Not fixed (typically 3–9 years) |
| Inaugural holder | John Rogers |
| Formation | 1554-1857 |
The Clerk of the Ordnance was an important job in the old British government. This person worked for the Board of Ordnance, which was like a special department that handled military supplies and weapons. The Clerk was a key helper to the Master-General of the Ordnance, who was in charge of everything.
The main jobs of the Clerk of the Ordnance were to manage all the letters and official papers. They also kept track of all the money for the Board. This meant they were in charge of the financial records, making sure everything was accounted for. This important office started around 1554 and was eventually stopped in 1857.
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What was the Clerk of the Ordnance?
The Clerk of the Ordnance was a very important official. They were part of the Board of Ordnance, which was set up in 1597. Think of the Board as the team responsible for all the military equipment. This included cannons, gunpowder, and other supplies for the army and navy.
The Clerk's role was mostly about paperwork and money. They handled all the official letters and communications for the Board. They also made sure all the financial records were correct. This job was vital for keeping the military well-supplied and organized.
Clerks Before the Monarchy Returned
Many people held the position of Clerk of the Ordnance over the centuries. Before the monarchy was fully restored in England, several individuals served in this role. One of the earliest known Clerks was John Rogers, who started in 1554. Other notable Clerks from this period included William Painter and Edward Sherburne (junior). These Clerks helped manage the ordnance during a time of big changes in England.
The Clerk During Parliament's Rule
During the English Civil War, when Parliament held power, the Clerk of the Ordnance continued to be an important role. People like John White and Lewis Audley served as Clerk. They managed the military supplies for Parliament's forces. This shows how crucial the job was, no matter who was in charge of the country.
Clerks After the Monarchy Returned
After the monarchy was restored in 1660, the office of Clerk of the Ordnance continued. Edward Sherburne was one of the first to serve again after this period. Over the next two centuries, many more individuals held this position. They played a part in managing Britain's military resources. This included people like Sir Thomas Littleton, 3rd Baronet and William Wellesley-Pole. The office was finally ended in 1857, as the government changed how it managed military affairs.
