History of the Lieutenancy

Since the late 17th Century, Ireland had a figure known as the Lord-Lieutenant, serving as the Lord Lieutenant and General Governor of the country. This office held various titles, occasionally referred to as the Viceroy.

In 1831, County Lieutenancies, modelled after the British system, were established, and their Lieutenants were appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. However, with the enactment of the Government of Ireland Act in 1920, the Irish Lieutenancies were abolished, except in Northern Ireland.

In 1973, when the Governor of Northern Ireland was succeeded by the Secretary of State, the local government units of Counties and County Boroughs were abolished. Subsequently, Queen Elizabeth II began directly appointing Lord-Lieutenants to serve in individual Counties and County Boroughs, forming the Lord-Lieutenants as we recognize them today.

The tumultuous outbreaks of violence from the late 1960s significantly impacted the Northern Irish Lieutenancies. Security restrictions limited Royal visits and posed challenges in attending certain public events. Nevertheless, through considerable personal bravery and tact, the Northern Irish Lieutenancies have managed to enhance their reputation and stand resilient amid trying circumstances.

The Coronation of King Charles III took place at Westminster Abbey on the 6th May 2023.

The Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Gawn Rowan Hamilton, represented the County of Down at the coronation.

Source: Katie Chan
License: Creative Commons 4.0