Deputy Lieutenant

A person appointed by the Lord Lieutenant of a county to assist in carrying out the duties of the lieutenancy. In the nineteenth century, Deputy Lieutenants were normally prominent local landowners and often played a role in organising and administering the county’s militia and, later, volunteer forces. They also represented the Lord Lieutenant on ceremonial and other occasions. Several Deputy Lieutenants could serve in a county at the same time, unlike the single Lord Lieutenant. The office continues today.