Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire facts for kids

Have you ever wondered who represents the King or Queen in a county? In England, that person is called a Lord Lieutenant. They are the monarch's personal representative in a specific area, like the county of Wiltshire. This article tells you about the people who have held this important role in Wiltshire.

The Lord Lieutenant's job is mostly ceremonial. They help with royal visits, present awards, and support local community groups. It's a bit like being the chief cheerleader for the county, making sure everyone feels connected to the Royal Family. Since 1750, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire has also been the Custos Rotulorum of Wiltshire. This fancy Latin name means "Keeper of the Rolls," and it used to be the main legal officer for the county. Today, this part of the role is also mostly ceremonial.

What is a Lord Lieutenant?

A Lord Lieutenant is the King or Queen's official representative in a county. Their main duties include:

• Organizing visits by members of the Royal Family.
• Presenting medals and awards on behalf of the monarch.
• Supporting the local armed forces.
• Encouraging voluntary and community work.
• Promoting the county's identity and traditions.

It's a non-political role, meaning they don't get involved in government decisions. They are chosen by the monarch, usually on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Lord Lieutenants of Wiltshire Through History

The role of Lord Lieutenant has existed for a very long time, going back to the 1500s. These individuals were often important nobles or landowners in the county. They were responsible for maintaining order and organizing the local militia, which was like a local army. Over time, the role became less about military power and more about representing the monarch and supporting the community.

Here are some of the people who have served as Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire:

• William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke (1551 – 1570)
• Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (1570 – 1601)
• Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford (1601 – 1621)
• William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke (1621 – 1630)
• Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke (1630 – 1642)
• Interregnum (a period when England was not ruled by a king or queen)
• William Seymour, 1st Marquess of Hertford (1660)
• Thomas Wriothesley, 4th Earl of Southampton (1661 – 1667)
• Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon (1667 – 1668)
• Arthur Capell, 1st Earl of Essex (1668 – 1672)
• John Seymour, 4th Duke of Somerset (1672 – 1675)
• Philip Herbert, 7th Earl of Pembroke (1675 – 1683)
• Thomas Herbert, 8th Earl of Pembroke (1683 – 1733) (sometimes jointly with others)
• Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke (1733 – 1750)
• Hon. Robert Sawyer Herbert (1750 – 1756)
• Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke (1756 – 1780 and 1782 – 1794)
• Thomas Brudenell-Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury (1780 – 1782)
• George Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke (1794 – 1827)
• Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1827 – 1863)
• George Brudenell-Bruce, 2nd Marquess of Ailesbury (1863 – 1878)
• Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie, 4th Earl of Radnor (1878 – 1889)
• John Thynne, 4th Marquess of Bath (1889 – 1896)
• Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne (1896 – 1920)
• Walter Long, 1st Viscount Long (1920 – 1924)
• Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie, 6th Earl of Radnor (1924 – 1930)
• Sir Ernest Wills, 3rd Baronet (1930 – 1942)
• Evelyn Seymour, 17th Duke of Somerset (1942 – 1954)
• Sidney Herbert, 16th Earl of Pembroke (1954 – 1969)
• John Morrison, 1st Baron Margadale (1969 – 1981)
• Sir Hugh Trefusis Brassey (1981 – 1989)
• Field Marshal Sir Roland Gibbs (1989 – 1996)
• Lt-General Sir Maurice Johnston (1996 – 2004)
• John Barnard Bush (2004 – 2012)
• Sarah Troughton (2012 – present)

Vice Lord Lieutenants of Wiltshire

The Lord Lieutenant is supported by a team of Deputy Lieutenants, and one of them is chosen to be the Vice Lord Lieutenant. This person steps in when the Lord Lieutenant is unavailable. They help with duties and ensure the county's royal representation continues smoothly.

Some of the people who have served as Vice Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire include:

• Colonel Hugh Trefusis Brassey (1969–1981)
• Field Marshal Sir Roland Gibbs (1982–1990)
• Major-General John Myles (Robin) Brockbank (1990–1996)
• John Richard Arundell, 10th Baron Talbot of Malahide (2004–2006)
• Lieutenant Colonel James Rixon Arkell (2006–2012)
• Charles Petty-FitzMaurice, 9th Marquess of Lansdowne (2012–2016)
• Lieutenant-General Sir Roderick Alexander Cordy-Simpson (2016–2019)
• William Francis Wyldbore-Smith (2019–2023)
• Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory (2023 - present)

See also

• List of deputy lieutenants of Wiltshire
• High Sheriff of Wiltshire