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Great Seal of Northern Ireland facts for kids

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The Great Seal of Northern Ireland is like a very important official stamp used for Northern Ireland. It's a special symbol that shows something is truly official and approved. Today, this important seal is kept by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who is a government minister.

The Great Seal was first created in 1922 when Northern Ireland was formed. A special law made sure it would be used for all the important official matters in Northern Ireland, just like a similar seal had been used for all of Ireland before. At first, the seal was looked after by the Governor of Northern Ireland. But in 1972, a period called direct rule began, and the Governor's role ended in 1973. After that, the Great Seal was given to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who has kept it ever since.

What the Seal Looks Like

The Great Seal was designed by a person named Nevile Wilkinson. He was known as the Ulster King of Arms, which is a fancy title for someone who designs coats of arms and symbols.

The design of Northern Ireland's seal is based on the main Great Seal used for the whole United Kingdom. However, it has a special shield on it. This shield shows a red cross on a gold background. This design comes from the old coat of arms of Ulster, which is a historic part of Ireland. Nevile Wilkinson also designed the coat of arms of Northern Ireland, and you can see a similar banner with the red cross on it there too.

The first Great Seal for Northern Ireland was ready in 1924. Before that, the Governor of Northern Ireland, James Hamilton, 3rd Duke of Abercorn, used his own personal seal for official business. The 1924 seal showed an image of the king at the time, George V.

When a new king or queen takes the throne in Britain, a new Great Seal is usually made. However, King Edward VIII left the throne before his new seal for Northern Ireland could be made. So, the 1924 seal was used until 1938, when a new one was created for George VI.

A new seal for Elizabeth II was given to the Governor, John Loder, 2nd Baron Wakehurst, in 1953. When a new seal arrives, the old one is officially "defaced" (damaged) with a hammer so it can't be used anymore. The old 1924 Great Seal was later bought by the National Heritage Memorial Fund and is now kept at the Ulster Museum.

How the Seal is Used

The Great Seal of Northern Ireland is used for very important official documents issued by the monarch. These include:

  • Appointing senior judges to the courts in Northern Ireland. This includes the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, who is the top judge, and other High Court judges.
  • Giving Royal Assent to new laws passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. Royal Assent is when the monarch officially approves a bill, making it a law.

Also, all justices of the peace in Northern Ireland are appointed through a single official document called a "commission." This commission is issued using the Great Seal of Northern Ireland.

Wafer Seals

Sometimes, instead of using the big, heavy Great Seal itself, a smaller, lighter version called a "wafer seal" can be used. These wafer seals are made using a special stamp that has the same design as the main Great Seal. When this stamp is pressed onto a document, or onto a small wafer attached to a document, it makes the document just as official as if the full Great Seal had been used.

These wafer seals are used by the First Minister and Deputy-First Minister of Northern Ireland when they act together. They are especially useful for officially approving bills passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Who Has Kept the Great Seal?

The person who looks after the Great Seal is called its "Keeper."

Governors of Northern Ireland (1922–1973)

Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland (1973–Present)

See also

  • Great Seal of the Irish Free State
  • Great Seal of the Realm
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