kids encyclopedia robot

Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A Lord Lieutenant is the King or Queen's personal representative in a county, like Gloucestershire. Think of them as the monarch's local ambassador! Their main job is to uphold the dignity of the Crown and promote a good community spirit. Since 1694, all Lord Lieutenants in Gloucestershire have also been the Custos Rotulorum of Gloucestershire, which means they were in charge of keeping the county's important records.

Understanding the Lord Lieutenant Role

The Lord Lieutenant is a very important person in their county. They are chosen by the King or Queen and usually serve until they are 75 years old. Their duties include welcoming members of the Royal Family when they visit the county. They also present medals and awards on behalf of the King or Queen, like the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Another key part of their job is to support the local community. They often attend events, ceremonies, and celebrations. They also help to encourage volunteer work and promote good citizenship. It's a role that helps connect the local area with the wider Royal Family and national traditions.

A Glimpse into Gloucestershire's Past

The role of Lord Lieutenant has a long history, going back hundreds of years. Originally, Lord Lieutenants were responsible for organizing the local militia, which was like a local army. Over time, their duties changed. Today, the role is mostly ceremonial and focuses on community leadership.

In Gloucestershire, many important people have held this position. They have served during different periods of history, from the time of Queen Elizabeth I right up to today. For a short time in the 1600s, there was a period called the Interregnum. This was when England did not have a king or queen, so there was no Lord Lieutenant during that time.

List of Lord Lieutenants of Gloucestershire

Here is a list of the people who have served as Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire:

† These Lord Lieutenants also served for the City and County of Gloucester, and the City and County of Bristol.

What are Deputy Lieutenants?

A Deputy Lieutenant is someone who helps the Lord Lieutenant with their duties. They are appointed by the Lord Lieutenant and support their work in the county. There can be many Deputy Lieutenants at one time. The number depends on how many people live in the county.

Deputy Lieutenants usually retire when they turn 75. Their appointment does not end if a new Lord Lieutenant takes over. They continue to serve the county and the Crown.

Deputy Lieutenants Through the Years

Here are some of the people who have served as Deputy Lieutenants for Gloucestershire:

  • 10 March 1831: Maurice Fitzgerald Stephens
  • 12 March 1831: Robert Canning
  • 24 March 1831: John Lewsley Codrington
  • 5 April 1831: John Dela Field Phelps
kids search engine
Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.