Lords Justices appointed during the absence of King George I in 1719 facts for kids
When King George I of Great Britain traveled away from England, he needed a special group of people to help run the country. These important individuals were called the Lords Justices. They were chosen by the King to make sure everything kept working smoothly while he was visiting his other lands in Germany, where he was also the Elector of Hanover.
What Were the Lords Justices?
The Lords Justices were a group of high-ranking officials. They were given the power to govern England when the King was not there. This was a common practice for British monarchs who also ruled other territories. King George I often visited Hanover, a part of Germany that he also governed.
Why Were They Needed?
King George I became King of Great Britain in 1714. He was originally from Hanover. He still had important duties and lands there. So, he would travel back to Hanover from time to time. During these trips, he needed trusted people to manage the country. The Lords Justices made sure that laws were followed and the government continued to function. They acted on behalf of the King.
Who Were These Important People?
In 1719, King George I appointed a group of twelve powerful men to serve as Lords Justices. They held some of the most important positions in the government and the church. Here are the people who were chosen:
- William Wake, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was the most senior leader of the Church of England.
- Evelyn Pierrepont, 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, who served as the Lord President of the Council. This person was a chief advisor to the King.
- Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Kent, who held the title of Lord Privy Seal. This official was in charge of the King's personal seal, used for important documents.
- John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, who was the Lord Steward of the Household. This role managed the royal household.
- Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, who was the Lord Chamberlain. This person managed the royal court and its ceremonies.
- Charles Paulet, 2nd Duke of Bolton. He was a powerful duke.
- John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, who was the Captain General. This meant he was the commander of the army.
- John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe, who was the Secretary of State for Scotland. He handled affairs related to Scotland.
- Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, who was the First Commissioner of the Treasury and Groom of the Stool. He was a very important financial advisor and a close personal attendant to the King.
- James Berkeley, 3rd Earl of Berkeley, who was the First Commissioner of the Admiralty. This person was in charge of the navy.
- James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope, who was the Secretary of State for the Northern Department. He managed foreign affairs with northern European countries.
- James Craggs the Younger, who was the Secretary of State for the Southern Department. He managed foreign affairs with southern European countries and the colonies.
These individuals worked together to ensure the country remained stable. They kept the government running smoothly while King George I was away.
