Ministry of the Chits facts for kids
The Ministry of the Chits was a group of important government leaders in the Kingdom of England. They were in charge from November 1679 to 1688. This group was led by three young ministers. They were known as the chits.
These three main leaders were Laurence Hyde, Sidney Godolphin, and the Earl of Sunderland. They played big roles in the government of King Charles II and later King James II.
Contents
Who Were the Chits?
The name "the chits" came from a funny poem. It was written about these three ministers. The word "chit" can mean a young, sometimes cheeky, person.
- Laurence Hyde was the brother-in-law of King Charles II's brother, James. He started as the main finance minister, called the First Lord of the Treasury. Later, he became the Lord President of the Council. When James became King James II in 1685, Rochester returned to a top finance role. He disagreed with the King's Catholic faith. King James II eventually removed Rochester from his position in 1687.
- Sidney Godolphin also served as First Lord of the Treasury. He kept his job even when a new king, William III, took over. This shows he was a trusted and skilled leader.
- The Earl of Sunderland held several important jobs. He was a Secretary of State, handling foreign and domestic affairs. He also became Lord President of the Council in 1685. Sunderland stayed in power until King James II dismissed him in October 1688. After that, he left England.
These three men were central figures in the English government during a time of big changes.
The Government Roles
The Ministry of the Chits involved many important people. They held key positions to run the country. Here are some of the main roles and who held them during this time.
Early Years: 1679 to 1684
During this period, the three "chits" were rising in power.
Transition Period: 1684 to 1685
This was a short time when roles shifted before King James II took the throne.
| OFFICE | NAME | TERM |
| First Lord of the Treasury | The Lord Godolphin | 1684–1685 |
| Southern Secretary | The Earl of Sunderland | 1684–1685 |
| Lord President of the Council | The Earl of Rochester | 1684–1685 |
| Lord Keeper | The Lord Guilford | 1684–1685 |
| Lord Privy Seal | The Marquess of Halifax | 1684–1685 |
| Lord Steward | The Duke of Ormonde | 1684–1685 |
| Lord Chamberlain | The Earl of Arlington | 1684–1685 |
| Northern Secretary | The Earl of Middleton | 1684–1685 |
| Chancellor of the Exchequer | Sir John Ernle | 1684–1685 |
Later Years: 1685 to 1688
This period covers the time under King James II.
| OFFICE | NAME | TERM | How left office |
| Lord High Treasurer First Lord of the Treasury |
The Earl of Rochester | 1685–1687 | |
| The Lord Belasyse | 1687–1689 | ||
| Chamberlain to the Queen Treasury Commissioner |
The Lord Godolphin | 1685–1687 1687–1689 |
He stayed loyal to King James until the very end. |
| Lord President of the Council and Southern Secretary Lord President of the Council and Northern Secretary |
The Earl of Sunderland | 1685–1688 | Dismissed on October 27, 1688 |
| The Viscount Preston | October 1688 | ||
| Lord Chancellor | The Lord Jeffreys | 1685–1688 | Gave up his seal to the king on December 8, 1688 |
| Lord Privy Seal | The Earl of Clarendon | 1685–1687 | |
| The Lord Arundell of Wardour | 1687–1688 | After James left the throne, Arundell retired from public life. | |
| Lord Steward | The Duke of Ormonde | 1685–1688 | Died July 21, 1688 |
| Lord Chamberlain | The Earl of Ailesbury | July 1685 – October 1685 | Died October 20, 1685 |
| The Earl of Mulgrave | 1685–1689 | He stayed with King James in London until the king fled. He helped the Spanish ambassador when his house was destroyed by a mob. | |
| Northern Secretary | The Earl of Middleton | 1685–October 1688 | Moved to Southern Department in October 1688 |
| Southern Secretary | The Earl of Middleton | October 1688 | He remained loyal to King James until the end. |
| Chancellor of the Exchequer | Sir John Ernle | 1685–1688 | |
