Lord Lieutenant

The Sovereign’s representative in a county or other lieutenancy area, responsible historically for organising the county’s military defence and, particularly from the nineteenth century, for overseeing the militia and volunteer forces. The Lord Lieutenant was normally a prominent local landowner and was also involved in recommending Deputy Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace. Unlike the annually appointed High Sheriff, the Lord Lieutenant was appointed by the Crown and normally held office until resignation or removal. The office continues today.