Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk facts for kids

A Lord-Lieutenant is a special person chosen by the King or Queen to represent them in a county. Think of them as the monarch's main helper and representative in a specific area, like Suffolk. Their job is to support the Royal Family and help with important local events. Since 1642, the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk has also been in charge of keeping the county's official records.

What is a Lord-Lieutenant?

A Lord-Lieutenant is the King or Queen's personal representative in a county. This role has a long history, going back to the 1500s. Back then, they were mainly in charge of the local military forces. Today, their job is mostly ceremonial and about community service.

They welcome members of the Royal Family when they visit the county. They also present medals and awards on behalf of the King or Queen. Lord-Lieutenants help to promote good causes and support local charities and community groups. They are important figures who connect the Royal Family with the people of the county.

The title "Custos Rotulorum" means "keeper of the rolls." This used to be a separate job, where someone was responsible for the county's legal documents and records. Now, the Lord-Lieutenant usually holds both titles, showing their important role in the county's history and administration.

Suffolk's Lord-Lieutenants Through History

Many important people have served as the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk over the centuries. They have played a key role in the county's life, representing the monarch and helping with local affairs. Here is a list of some of the people who have held this important position:

• Sir Anthony Wingfield (1551–1552) – He served jointly with another person.
• Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex (1557–1583)
• Thomas Wentworth, 2nd Baron Wentworth (1561)
• Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon (July 3, 1585 – July 23, 1596)
• The position was empty for a while.
• Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk (July 3, 1605 – May 28, 1626)
• Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (June 15, 1626 – June 3, 1640)
• James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk (June 16, 1640 – 1642) – He served jointly with:
• Sir Thomas Jermyn (June 16, 1640 – 1642)
• During a period known as the Interregnum, there was no monarch, so the role was different.
• James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk (July 25, 1660 – March 12, 1681) – He returned to the role after the monarchy was restored.
• Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington (March 12, 1681 – May 6, 1685)
• Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton (May 6, 1685 – March 28, 1689)
• Charles Cornwallis, 3rd Baron Cornwallis (March 28, 1689 – April 29, 1698)
• Charles Cornwallis, 4th Baron Cornwallis (June 14, 1698 – June 16, 1703)
• Lionel Tollemache, 3rd Earl of Dysart (June 16, 1703 – April 25, 1705)
• Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton (April 25, 1705 – May 6, 1757)
• Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton (December 4, 1757 – February 10, 1763)
• Charles Maynard, 1st Viscount Maynard (February 10, 1763 – June 1, 1769)
• Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton (June 1, 1769 – July 3, 1790) – He served a second time.
• George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Grafton (July 3, 1790 – January 19, 1844)
• John Rous, 2nd Earl of Stradbroke (January 19, 1844 – January 27, 1886)
• Frederick Hervey, 3rd Marquess of Bristol (February 17, 1886 – August 7, 1907)
• Sir William Brampton Gurdon (October 21, 1907 – 1910)
• Sir Courtenay Warner, 1st Baronet (July 8, 1910 – December 15, 1934)
• George Rous, 3rd Earl of Stradbroke (February 4, 1935 – December 20, 1947)
• John Rous, 4th Earl of Stradbroke (April 2, 1948 – April 24, 1978)
• Sir Joshua Rowley, 7th Baronet (April 24, 1978 – February 11, 1994)
• John Ganzoni, 2nd Baron Belstead (February 11, 1994 – June 30, 2003)
• John Tollemache, 5th Baron Tollemache (June 30, 2003 – December 13, 2014)
• Clare FitzRoy, Dowager Countess of Euston (December 13, 2014 – Present) – She is the current Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk.