Lord Lieutenants

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Quentin Letts returns with another series offering a witty and thought-provoking look at some of Britain's cherished institutions. Over the next three weeks he casts a quizzical eye over universities, pubs and in the first programme, Lord-Lieutenants. The office of Lord-Lieutenant was created by Henry VIII in 1547. They were the eyes and the ears of the monarch in the shires when there was a real prospect of sedition and rebellion. They also had the job of raising a militia when the country was under threat. The military functions of Lord-Lieutenants have long gone and their main duties now are to organise official Royal visits to their county. With Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee this year Lord-Lieutenants have perhaps never been busier, or had such a high profile. But how many could name the Lord-Lieutenant in their area, or could even explain what their job is, or how they're appointed? In an era where democratic accountability and transparency are increasingly important, what's the point of Lord-Lieutenants?