Governor of Northern Ireland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of Northern Ireland |
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| Style | Excellency |
| Residence | Hillsborough Castle |
| Appointer | British Monarch |
| Precursor | Lord Lieutenant of Ireland |
| Formation | 9 December 1922 |
| First holder | The 3rd Duke of Abercorn |
| Final holder | The Lord Grey of Naunton |
| Abolished | 18 July 1973 |
| Succession | Secretary of State for Northern Ireland |
The Governor of Northern Ireland was a very important official. They acted as the main representative of the British monarch (the King or Queen) in Northern Ireland. This special job was created on December 9, 1922. It lasted until July 18, 1973, when it was ended.
Contents
What Was the Governor's Job?
The role of Governor of Northern Ireland was created to take over duties that used to belong to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The Lord Lieutenant was a similar official for all of Ireland before Northern Ireland was formed.
The Governor's main job was to represent the King or Queen. They had many formal duties, but their real power was mostly symbolic. This means they did things like opening Parliament, but they usually followed the advice of the Northern Ireland government.
Key Responsibilities
The Governor had several important tasks:
- They would officially call for the Parliament of Northern Ireland to meet.
- They would also officially end Parliament sessions.
- The Governor gave the "Speech from the Throne" at the start of each new Parliament year. This speech outlined the government's plans.
- They held the Great Seal of Northern Ireland. This seal was used to make official documents valid.
- The Governor could also grant "mercy." This meant they could reduce or cancel punishments for crimes.
- They gave royal assent to new laws. This was the final step to make a bill passed by Parliament into a law.
While the Governor had the power to stop or delay new laws, they never actually used this power. This showed that the Northern Ireland government mostly managed its own affairs.
Important Moments
The Governor's role sometimes became more noticeable during important times. For example, in 1963, when the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Viscount Brookeborough, stepped down, Governor Baron Wakehurst helped choose the next leader, Terence O'Neill.
In 1966, Governor Lord Erskine faced protests. He had suggested naming a new bridge in Belfast after Elizabeth II instead of a local hero. This upset some people and showed early signs of the Troubles that would follow.
Where Did the Governor Live?
The official home for the Governor of Northern Ireland was Hillsborough Castle. This grand castle is located in County Down. The first Governor, the Duke of Abercorn, moved into the castle in 1925 after it was renovated.
Hillsborough Castle remained the Governor's residence until the job was ended in 1973. After that, it became the official home for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Who Were the Governors?
Governors usually served for six years. Their term could be renewed, and it didn't depend on elections.
| No. | Portrait | Name (Birth–Death) |
Term of office | Monarch | Prime Minister | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Took office | Left office | Time in office | |||||
| 1 |  |
Duke of Abercorn (1869–1953) |
12 December 1922 | 6 September 1945 | 22 years, 268 days | George V Edward VIII George VI |
Craigavon Andrews Brooke |
| 2 |  |
Earl Granville (1880–1953) |
7 September 1945 | 1 December 1952 | 7 years, 85 days | George VI Elizabeth II |
Brooke |
| 3 |  |
Lord Wakehurst (1895–1970) |
3 December 1952 | 1 December 1964 | 11 years, 364 days | Elizabeth II | Brookeborough O'Neill |
| 4 | |
Lord Erskine of Rerrick (1893–1980) |
3 December 1964 | 2 December 1968 | 3 years, 365 days | O'Neill | |
| 5 | Lord Grey of Naunton (1910–1999) |
3 December 1968 | 18 July 1973 | 4 years, 205 days | O'Neill Chichester-Clark Faulkner |
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Images for kids
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The official flag of the Governor of Northern Ireland.
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James Hamilton, the 3rd Duke of Abercorn, was the first Governor of Northern Ireland.
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No image available for William Leveson-Gower, 4th Earl Granville.
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John Loder, 2nd Baron Wakehurst, served as Governor from 1952 to 1964.
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No image available for John Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine of Rerrick.
See also
- Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
- Governor-General of the Irish Free State
