List of Masters of Requests of England and Scotland facts for kids
The Master of Requests was an important job in the governments of old England and Scotland. These officials handled requests and complaints from the public. They were like a special link between ordinary people and the King or Queen and their advisors.
Contents
Masters of Requests in England
In England, the job of Master of Requests started in the 1400s. It was a way for people to bring their problems directly to the King's attention. These officials would listen to people's requests, often called "petitions," and then present them to the King or his Privy Council (a group of royal advisors).
This role helped the King stay connected with his subjects. It also made sure that people had a way to seek justice or help with their issues. The office was eventually stopped in 1685.
Many people held this important position over the years. Some well-known figures, like Sir Thomas More, served as a Master of Requests. The number of Masters of Requests sometimes changed, from two to four, depending on the needs of the government.
Masters of Requests in Scotland
In Scotland, the Master of Requests job first appeared during the time of King James V. The role in Scotland was a bit different from the one in England.
What the Scottish Master of Requests Did
The main job of the Scottish Master of Requests was to receive petitions from people. These were formal requests or complaints. The Master would then present these petitions to the Scottish Privy Council. This Council was a group of the King's closest advisors in Scotland.
After 1603, when the Scottish King also became King of England, the Master of Requests had another important role. They acted as a go-between, or "intermediary," between the Scottish Council and the King, who was now often in England. This helped keep communication flowing between the two parts of the kingdom.
Role in Parliament
The Master of Requests in Scotland was considered an important government official. From 1604 to 1633, they even had a seat in the Scottish Parliament. This showed how much influence and trust the position held.
However, after the English Restoration (when the monarchy was brought back in England in 1660), the job of Master of Requests in Scotland was not restarted. Its duties were taken over by the Secretary of State.
Some of the people who held this role in Scotland included Mark Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian and Sir William Alexander.
See also
- Master of Requests (France)
