Lord Lieutenant of Down facts for kids
This article lists the people who have served as Lord Lieutenants and Governors for County Down in Northern Ireland. These roles represent the King or Queen in the county.
Before 1831, these representatives were called Governors. The role of Lord Lieutenant was officially brought back on August 23, 1831.
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Governors of County Down
These individuals served as Governors of County Down before the title changed to Lord Lieutenant. They were important figures representing the monarch in the county.
- Bryan Magennis, 5th Viscount Iveagh (1689–1691) - During the time of King James II.
- Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire (served until 1793)
- Robert Stewart, 1st Marquess of Londonderry (1793–1821)
- James Blackwood, 2nd Baron Dufferin and Claneboye (served until 1831)
- Robert Ward (1805–1831)
- Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (served until 1831)
Lord Lieutenants of County Down
After 1831, the King or Queen's representative in County Down was known as the Lord Lieutenant. They are responsible for various duties, including welcoming royal visitors.
- Arthur Hill, 3rd Marquess of Downshire: October 7, 1831 – April 12, 1845
- Frederick Stewart, 4th Marquess of Londonderry: May 17, 1845 – 1864
- Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, 1st Marquess of Dufferin and Ava: April 13, 1864 – February 12, 1902. He later became a Marquess.
- Charles Vane-Tempest-Stewart, 6th Marquess of Londonderry: April 16, 1902 – February 8, 1915
- Charles Vane-Tempest-Stewart, 7th Marquess of Londonderry: September 8, 1915 – February 11, 1949
- Francis Needham, 4th Earl of Kilmorey: June 2, 1949 – 1959
- Sir Roland Nugent, 1st Baronet: March 10, 1959 – August 18, 1962
- The 6th Earl of Clanwilliam: September 25, 1962 – 1979
- Colonel William Norman Brann: October 2, 1979 – 1990
- Colonel William Stephen Brownlow: August 17, 1990 – 1996
- Sir William Joseph Hall: October 10, 1996 – August 1, 2009
- David Lindsay: August 25, 2009 – 2021
- Gawn William Rowan Hamilton: May 12, 2021 – present
Deputy Lieutenants of County Down
A Deputy lieutenant helps the Lord Lieutenant with their duties. They are chosen by the Lord Lieutenant. There can be many Deputy Lieutenants at one time, depending on how many people live in the county. They usually retire when they turn 75. Their appointment does not end if a new Lord Lieutenant takes over.
Deputy Lieutenants in the 21st Century
- May 19, 2010: John Witchell
- September 2, 2016: Peter Campbell Conway
- September 2, 2016: Professor Neil McClure
