Greater London Lieutenancy

The History of the London Lieutenancy

In England the office of Lord-Lieutenant is military in origin and dates from the reign of Henry VIII. The County Lieutenancies of Middlesex, Essex, Surrey and Kent used to cover the area now known as Greater London but in 1889 a separate 'London' Lieutenancy was established.

Originally the Sheriff was responsible for maintaining order and using the military measures necessary for defence of his local area. However, in Tudor times, Henry VIII allowed some noblemen to raise local armies to resist invasions. These were the first Lord-Lieutenants.

Later in the 16th century a more formal system of lieutenancies was introduced 'for the suppressing of any commotion, rebellions or unlawful assemblies'. It is from this post that the modern day Lord-Lieutenants evolve.

Following the Restoration in 1660 the Lord-Lieutenants passed out of the track of constitutional storms but it was only in 1921 that they lost the power to call on able-bodied men to fight. Nevertheless, duties connected with the Armed Forces of the Crown, and in particular the Volunteer Reserve Forces and Cadets remain an important part of today's role.

Today the Lord-Lieutenant is an honorary office appointed by the Crown, under letters patent, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, and holds the office until retirement at not later than the age of 75.