Lord Lieutenant of Essex facts for kids
A Lord Lieutenant is a special representative of the British monarch (the King or Queen) in a county. Think of them as the King's personal ambassador for that area! In Essex, the Lord Lieutenant is in charge of many important duties, like welcoming members of the Royal Family, giving out awards, and supporting local community groups. Since 1688, the Lord Lieutenants of Essex have also held another important role called the Custos Rotulorum of Essex, which means they are the main keeper of the county's records and documents.
This list shows some of the people who have held this important position in Essex over the centuries.
Contents
What is a Lord Lieutenant?
A Lord Lieutenant is a very old and respected role, going back hundreds of years. They are appointed by the monarch and usually serve until they are 75 years old. Their main job is to uphold the dignity of the Crown and promote a good community spirit in their county.
Key Duties of a Lord Lieutenant
- Royal Visits: When a member of the Royal Family visits Essex, the Lord Lieutenant is usually there to greet them and help organize the visit.
- Awards: They help present national awards, like the King's Award for Voluntary Service, to amazing people and groups in the community.
- Military Support: They also support the local armed forces and cadet organizations.
- Community Work: Lord Lieutenants often work with local charities and volunteer groups, helping to make their county a better place.
Notable Lord Lieutenants of Essex
Many important figures have served as Lord Lieutenant of Essex throughout history. Here are a few examples:
- John Petre, 1st Baron Petre: One of the earliest known Lord Lieutenants.
- Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester: A very powerful figure during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He served from 1585 to 1588.
- William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley: Another key advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, he held the role from 1588 to 1598.
- Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford: He served twice, first from 1660 to 1687 and again from 1688 to 1703.
- John Petre, 18th Baron Petre: He served as Lord Lieutenant from 2002 until 2017.
- Jennifer Tolhurst: She became the Lord Lieutenant of Essex on August 5, 2017, and is the current holder of this important role.
Deputy Lieutenants of Essex
The Lord Lieutenant is helped by a team of people called deputy lieutenants. These individuals are also appointed by the Lord Lieutenant and support their work across the county.
Role of Deputy Lieutenants
- Support: Deputy lieutenants assist the Lord Lieutenant with their duties, especially during royal visits or award ceremonies.
- Local Presence: They often represent the Lord Lieutenant at local events when the Lord Lieutenant cannot be there.
- Retirement: Like the Lord Lieutenant, deputy lieutenants usually retire from their role when they reach the age of 75.
Historical Deputy Lieutenants
Here are some of the deputy lieutenants who served in the 18th century:
- Thomas Gardiner Bramston (appointed 1793)
- George Davis Carr (appointed 1793)
- William Manley (appointed 1797)
- Jackson Barwis (appointed 1797)
- George Lee (appointed 1803)
- John Crosse Godsalve Crosse (appointed 1803)
- John Wallinger Arnold Wallinger (appointed 1803)
- John Hopkins Dare (appointed 1803)
