Governor of Northern Ireland

The Governor of Northern Ireland was the principal officer and representative in Northern Ireland of the British monarch. The office was established on 9 December 1922 and abolished on 18 July 1973.

Overview

The office of the Governor of Northern Ireland was established on 9 December 1922 under Letters Patent to: [ [http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld199798/ldselect/lddereg/146/14607.htm House of Lords, Northern Ireland Bill, Memorandum by the Northern Ireland Office.] ]

"do and execute in due manner as respects Northern Ireland all things which by virtue of the Act and our said Letters Patent of 27 April 1921 or otherwise belonged to the office of Lord Lieutenant at the time of the passing of the Irish Free State (Constitution) Act 1922."

The Governor had possession of the Great Seal of Northern Ireland.

The Governor was the successor in Northern Ireland to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in the autonomous region of Northern Ireland, itself established on 3 May 1920. [3 May 1921 was the "appointed day" under the Government of Ireland Act 1920, upon which the Parliaments of Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland were established,(SR&O 1921, No. 533).] The office of the Governor was abolished on 18 July 1973 under Section 32 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973. [ [http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA545&lpg=PA545&dq=abolished+%22governor+of+northern+ireland%22&sig=q-KcCq8-PlQnolIcWNeDSHSxaE4&id=94hgYO8I6T0C&ots=XRxcmGLWD7&output=html A New History of Ireland by Theodore William Moody, Francis John.] ] The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, a cabinet office that had been created in 1972 took over the functions of the Governor on 20 December 1973 under Letters Patent.

Governors of Northern Ireland, 1922-1973

*James Albert Edward Hamilton, 3rd Duke of Abercorn (December 12, 1922–September 6, 1945)
*William Spencer Leveson-Gower, 4th Earl Granville (September 7, 1945–December 1, 1952)
*John de Vere Loder, 2nd Baron Wakehurst (December 1, 1952–December 1, 1964)
*John Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine of Rerrick (December 1, 1964–November 27, 1968)
*Ralph Francis Alnwick Grey, Baron Grey of Naunton (November 27, 1968–June 26, 1973)

References

ee also

* Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
* Governor-General of the Irish Free State