Lord Lieutenants

• Henry VIII


  • In 1512 and 1545 he gave commissions to members of the nobility to organise defence against france and scotland
  • Lord Lieutenants were a temporary, military measure to respond to threats of domestic and foreign rebellion
• Elizabeth


  • The post of lord lieutenant becomes permanent following the development of war with Spain (1585-1604)
  • Appointed to each county with a deputy
  • Harnessed the most powerful men in the country
  • Could be punished
  • Members of the council acted as lord lieutenants - which enhanced the link between central government and localities
  • minor unrest in the 1590s as some in suffolk and wiltshire disagree with LL’s
• Mary and Lord Lieutenants

  • Divided the kingdom into 10 lieutenancies
  • Post Holders given responsibility for military matters within a defined geographical region

  • Commissions are over by her death