Lord Lieutenant of Durham facts for kids
The Lord Lieutenant of Durham is a special person chosen by the King or Queen to represent them in Durham. It's a bit like being the monarch's personal ambassador for the area! This important role has been around for a very long time, with many different people serving Durham throughout history.
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What is a Lord Lieutenant?
A Lord Lieutenant is the King's or Queen's official representative in a county. They are usually chosen for their wisdom and experience. Their main job is to uphold the dignity of the Crown. This means they help with royal visits to the county. They also present medals and awards on behalf of the monarch. For example, they might present a King's Award for Voluntary Service to a local group.
They also play a big part in local community life. They support good causes and encourage volunteer work. They also help to promote the county's traditions and history. It's a role that connects the local community with the wider royal family. Lord Lieutenants usually serve until they are 75 years old.
Lord Lieutenants of Durham
Many important people have served as Lord Lieutenant of Durham over the centuries. This role has been held by bishops, earls, and other notable figures. They have all helped to connect Durham with the ruling monarch.
Here are some of the people who have held this important position:
- Henry Neville, 5th Earl of Westmorland (around 1552)
- Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon (1586 – 1595)
- Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset (1615 – 1617)
- Richard Neile, Bishop of Durham (1617 – 1627)
- Thomas Morton, Bishop of Durham (1632 – 1642)
- Thomas Belasyse, 2nd Viscount Fauconberg (1660 – 1661)
- John Cosin (1661 – 1672)
- Nathaniel Crew, 3rd Baron Crew, Bishop of Durham (1674 – 1689 and 1712 – 1714)
- Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough (1690 – 1712 and 1714 – 1721)
- William Talbot, Bishop of Durham (1722 – 1730)
- Henry Vane, 1st Earl of Darlington (1753 – 1758)
- Henry Vane, 2nd Earl of Darlington (1758 – 1792)
- William Vane, 1st Duke of Cleveland (1792 – 1842)
- Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1842 – 1854)
- George Lambton, 2nd Earl of Durham (1854 – 1879)
- John Lambton, 3rd Earl of Durham (1884 – 1928)
- Charles Stewart Henry Vane-Tempest-Stewart, 7th Marquess of Londonderry (1928 – 1949)
- John Lawson, 1st Baron Lawson (1949 – 1958)
- Christopher Vane, 10th Baron Barnard (1958 – 1964)
- Sir James Fitzjames Duff (1964 – 1970)
- John Vane, 11th Baron Barnard (1970 – 1988)
- David James Grant (1988 – 1997)
- Sir Paul Nicholson (1997 – 2013)
- Susan Snowdon (2013 – present)
Deputy Lieutenants
A deputy lieutenant of Durham helps the Lord Lieutenant with their duties. There can be several deputy lieutenants at one time. The number depends on how many people live in the county. They are also chosen for their service to the community.
Deputy lieutenants usually retire when they turn 75. Their appointment does not end if a new Lord Lieutenant is chosen.
Here are some of the people who have served as Deputy Lieutenants:
19th Century
- John Pratt (1831)
- Leonard Raisbeck (1831)
- Robert Appleby (1831)
- William Hodgson (1831)
- John Fawcett (1831)
- William Mills (1831)
- Thomas Greenwell (1831)
- George Townshend Fox (1831)
- Robert Duncombe Shafto (1848)
21st Century
- Dr Jon Levick (2015)
- Dame Maura Regan (2015)
- Derek Winter (2015)
- Lady Sarah Nicholson (2015)
