Secretary of State for the Southern Department Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Great Britain Secretary of State for the Southern Department
Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Great Britain Government
The Southern Department
Style	The Right Honourable (Formal prefix)
Member of	British Cabinet
Seat	Westminster, London
Appointer	The British Monarch on advice of the Prime Minister
Term length	No fixed term
Formation	1660-1782
First holder	Edward Nicholas
Final holder	Wills Hill, 1st Earl of Hillsborough

The Secretary of State for the Southern Department was an important job in the government of Great Britain. This role existed until 1782. After that, the "Southern Department" became what we now call the Home Office.

What Was the Southern Department?
Changes Over Time
Who Held the Role?
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Southern Department?

Before 1782, the British government had two main Secretaries of State. These were the Secretary for the Southern Department and the Secretary of State for the Northern Department. Their jobs were divided by geography, not by topic like today.

The Secretary of State for the Southern Department handled relations with many countries. These included Ireland, France, Spain, and Portugal. They also looked after the American colonies until 1768. After 1768, a new role, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, took over the colonies.

The other Secretary, for the Northern Department, managed relations with countries like the Dutch Republic and Russia. Both Secretaries also shared duties for things happening inside England and Wales. After Scotland joined Great Britain in 1707, they also helped manage Scotland. This happened when there was no special Secretary of State for Scotland.

Changes Over Time

At first, the Southern Department was usually seen as the more important job. The person in charge of the Northern Department would often move to the Southern Department when a spot opened up.

However, during the reigns of King George I and King George II, the Northern Department became more important. This was because it included the King's family home, Hanover. By the time King George III was on the throne, both departments were equally important.

In 1782, these two Secretary roles changed. They became the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. This is how the government roles are mostly set up today.

Who Held the Role?

Many important people served as the Secretary of State for the Southern Department. They worked under different kings and queens of Great Britain. These individuals played a big part in shaping Britain's relationships with other countries and managing its affairs at home.