Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire facts for kids
A Lord Lieutenant is like a special representative for the British monarch (the King or Queen) in a specific area, called a county. Think of them as the King's personal helper and spokesperson for that county. They help connect the local community with the Royal Family.
In Cambridgeshire, the Lord Lieutenant is supported by a Vice Lord Lieutenant and several Deputy Lieutenants. Since 1715, all Lord Lieutenants have also held another important role called the Custos Rotulorum of Cambridgeshire, which means they are the keeper of the county's records.
The person currently serving as the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire is Julie Spence, who started her role on April 4, 2017.
Lord Lieutenants Through History
The role of Lord Lieutenant in Cambridgeshire has a long history. Over time, the area that the Lord Lieutenant was responsible for changed. For example, the Isle of Ely used to be a separate area, but it became part of Cambridgeshire in 1837. Other nearby areas like the Soke of Peterborough and Huntingdonshire also had their own Lord Lieutenants.
Many important people have held this position over the centuries. The first recorded Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire was William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton, who served around 1547.
Changes in the County's Name
In 1965, the county's name changed to Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely. This meant the Lord Lieutenant's role covered this new, combined area. Geoffrey Taylor Hurrell was the Lord Lieutenant during this time.
Then, in 1974, the county changed again. It became the new non-metropolitan county of Cambridgeshire, combining Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely with Huntingdon and Peterborough. Even though the city of Peterborough became a separate local authority in 1998, it's still part of Cambridgeshire for ceremonial purposes, like for the Lord Lieutenant.
Since 1974, the Lord Lieutenants have included:
- Geoffrey Taylor Hurrell (1974 – 1975)
- Peter Esmé Brassey (1975 – 1981)
- Sir Peter Proby, 2nd Baronet (1981 – 1985)
- Michael Guy Molesworth Bevan (1985 – 1992)
- James Crowden (1992 – 2002)
- Sir Hugh Duberly (2003 – 2017)
- Julie Spence (2017 – present)
Deputy Lieutenants
A Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire is someone chosen by the Lord Lieutenant to help them with their duties. There can be several Deputy Lieutenants at one time, and the number depends on how many people live in the county. They usually retire when they turn 75, but their appointment doesn't end if a new Lord Lieutenant takes over.
See also
- High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire
