Comptroller of the Household explained
The Comptroller of the Household is an ancient position in the British royal household, nominally the second-ranking member of the Lord Steward's department after the Treasurer of the Household. The Comptroller was an ex officio member of the Board of Green Cloth, until that body was abolished in the reform of local government licensing in 2004. In recent times, a senior government whip has invariably occupied the office. On state occasions the Comptroller (in common with certain other senior officers of the Household) carries a white staff of office, as often seen in portraits.[1]
"Comptroller" is an alternative spelling of "controller", recorded since around 1500 in a number of British titles, and later also in the United States. The variant in spelling results from the influence of French compte "account".
History
The office of Comptroller of the Household derives from the medieval Household office of Controller of the Wardrobe, who was deputy to the Keeper (or Treasurer) of the Wardrobe, as well as an important official in his own right as keeper of the Privy Seal. Later, both these offices became high-ranking political appointments.
Modern role
In modern times, the Comptroller has become a less prominent position in British politics. The holder is the third-most senior Government whips in the House of Commons and is responsible for the day-to-day activity in the House. Their responsibilities for the Royal Household are now largely ceremonial, such as serving as an usher at royal garden parties. The role has been occupied by Chris Elmore since 2024.
Known incumbents
15th century
16th century
17th century
18th century
19th century
20th century
21st century
External links
Notes and References
- Book: Astington, John . English Court Theatre, 1558–1642 . Cambridge, UK . Cambridge University Press . 1999 . 177 . 978-0-521-64065-7 .
- http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386-1421/member/litton-sir-robert-1415 LITTON, Sir Robert (d.c.1415), of Wennington, Essex
- http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386-1421/member/spencer-john-1417 SPENCER, John (d.1417), of Banham, Norf. and Burgate, Suff.
- The history of the house of Stanley, etc p.41
- Charlton, Sir Thomas. 2004. 10.1093/ref:odnb/92982. 1 December 2011.
- Parr, William (1434-1483?).
- The Household of Edward IV, Manchester University Press ND Google ebook
- The DNB gives Sir William Parr as Comptroller of the Household from 1471 to 1483; Household of Edward IV gives Parr's office dates as 1471–1475 and again in 1481–1483
- http://www.history.ac.uk/office/greencloth_comp.html Green Cloth officeholders
- Book: Kinney. Arthur F.. Titled Elizabethans: A Directory of Elizabethan Court, State, and Church Officers, 1558–1603. 1973. Shoe String Press. North Haven, Connecticut.
- J. Palmer, A Biographical History of England (1824), 86–87
- News: Gavin Barwell given ancient Government role after holding on to Croydon Central seat . Newsquest. Your Local Guardan. 13 May 2015. 13 May 2015.
- 1438936542412787716. Marcus4Nuneaton. Honoured to be appointed as Comptroller of HM Household in the reshuffle.. 17 September 2021.
- Web site: Comptroller of HM Household (Government Whip) - GOV.UK . 2022-07-23 . www.gov.uk . en.
