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Lord High Steward




The position of Lord High Steward of England , not to be confused with the Lord Steward , a court functionary, is the first of the Great Officers Of State . Although initially the position was largely an honorary one, over time it grew in importance until its holder became one of the most powerful men of the kingdom. From the late 12th century, the office was considered to be bound with the Earldom of Leicester. When the House of Lancaster ascended the throne in 1399, Henry IV made his second son, Thomas Of Lancaster, Duke Of Clarence , Lord High Steward, but following the latter's death in 1421 the office has generally remained vacant, except at Coronations and during the trial of peers, when the Lord High Steward presides. In general, the Lord Chancellor was appointed to act as Lord High Steward in the latter situation. The trial of peers by their peers in the House of Lords was abolished in 1948 .


LORD HIGH STEWARDS OF ENGLAND, 1186-1421



LORD HIGH STEWARDS OF ENGLAND AT CORONATIONS, 1422-PRESENT



LORD HIGH STEWARDS OF ENGLAND AT THE TRIALS OF PEERS, 1422-PRESENT