The Lord Lieutenant is the monarch's representative in the English county of Dorset.

The office of the Lord Lieutenant was created during the reign of Henry VIII (1509–1547), taking over the military duties of the Sheriff of Dorset and control of the military forces of the Crown. From 1569, there was provision for the appointment of Deputy Lieutenants, and in 1662 the Lord-Lieutenant was given entire control of the militia. The Forces Act of 1871 transferred this function back to the Crown, and in 1921, the office lost its power to call upon men of the county to fight in case of need.

Appointment and current duties

Lord Lieutenants are appointed by the monarch for each county in the United Kingdom, to represent the Crown. They are non-political and retire at the age of 75. The post is unpaid.

The main duties of the Lord Lieutenant are:

  • Arranging visits to the county by members of the royal family and escorting royal visitors;
  • Presenting medals and awards on behalf of the monarch, and advising on honours nominations;
  • As Custos Rotulorum of Dorset, leading local judicial bodies as Chairman of the Advisory Committees on Justices of the Peace and General Commissioners of Income Tax;
  • Liaising with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army (and Territorial Army), Royal Air Force and associated cadet forces; and
  • Participating in civic and voluntary activities.

List of Lord Lieutenants of Dorset

Since 1680, Lord Lieutenants have also been Custos Rotulorum of Dorset.

References

  • J.C. Sainty (1970). "Lieutenancies of Counties, 1585–1642". Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research (Special Supplement No. 8).
  • J.C. Sainty (1979). List of Lieutenants of Counties of England and Wales 1660-1974. London: Swift Printers (Sales) Ltd.
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