History

The office of Lord-Lieutenant dates from the military reign of Henry VIII when its holder was made responsible for the maintenance of order and for all military measures necessary locally for defence. By 1569 there was provision for the appointment of deputies.

In 1871 the militia was removed from the Lord-Lieutenant's direct control, followed in 1921 with the loss of power to call on men of the county to fight in case of need.

The first Lord-Lieutenant of Devon was John Lord Russell, appointed in 1549. Since then there have been a further 25 Lord-Lieutenants appointed for the County of Devon.

Duties

The principal duties of the Lord-Lieutenant are as follows:

• Arranging visits of Members of the Royal Family and escorting Royal visitors as appropriate;
• Participation in civic and social activity within the Lieutenancy: this includes encouragement of a wide range of voluntary activity;
• Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force;
• Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty;
• Leadership of the local magistracy as Chairman of the Advisory Committees on Justices of the Peace and General Commissioners of Income Tax, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice, and carrying out the duties of the Keeper of the Rolls.

In addition to the above the Lord-Lieutenant may be asked to comment on the validity of nominations for honours, submits lists of names of those he recommends for invitations to Her Majesty's Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. The Lord-Lieutenant is also expected to promote a good atmosphere and spirit of co-operation by the encouragement he gives to voluntary service and benevolent organisations, and by the interest he takes in the industrial and social life of his county. He is also encouraged to take an interest in local projects funded from the National Lottery and should consider lending support to those which he feels to be of particular importance.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant from among the Deputy Lieutenants, the precise number of which is determined by the size of the population.

Current Lord-Lieutenant of Devon

Mr Eric Dancer CBE JP Lieutenancy Office County Hall Exeter Devon EX2 4QD

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon

Sir John Cave Bt DL
Sidbury Manor
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 0QE

Clerk to the Lieutenancy

Lieutenancy Office
County Hall
Exeter EX2 4QD

Assistant Clerk to the Lieutenancy

Lieutenancy Office
County Hall
Exeter
EX2 4QD

Tel: 01392 383204
Fax: 01392 382286

email: lieuten@devon.gov.uk