The Lieutenancy of Tyne and Wear
Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH
The main duties of the Lord-Lieutenant are to...
HISTORY
The office of the Lord-Lieutenant was created by Henry VIII and originally a military role. The Lord-Lieutenant was responsible for keeping order and managing local defence through military resources.
In 1569, Lord-Lieutenants were given the opportunity to appoint deputies.
Lord-Lieutenants now no longer have direct military responsibility, but the traditional links with the armed forces have remained through the association with the Volunteer Reserve Forces.
Lord-Lieutenants also have a connection with other uniformed organisations such as the police, fire and ambulance services and a wider role in the community working with voluntary organisations.
Lord-Lieutenants have always had an association with - and a close link to - the magistracy. Until the 19th century they appointed the Clerk of the Peace.
The current Lord-Lieutenant is still chairman of the regional Advisory Committee and Keeper of the Rolls.