From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The High Steward of Westminster Abbey is an honorary role at
Westminster Abbey , London. He is appointed by the Dean and Chapter, and holds the office for life. Past holders have included
Robert Cecil (in the 16th century
[1] ) and
Douglas Hurd (
fl. 2004
[2] ).
Since October 2016, the role has been held by
Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry .
[3]
The official costume is an orange cape and white ruff.
[4]
The deputy High Steward is an ex officio role of the
Lord Mayor of Westminster .
List of holders
Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch 1842–1884
Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster ? – 22 December 1899
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury January 1900 – 22 August 1903 (High Steward of the City and Liberty of Westminster)
[5]
James Gascoyne-Cecil, 4th Marquess of Salisbury , 10 November 1903 – 4 April 1947
Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax , 27 June 1947 – 23 December 1959
Harry Crookshank, 1st Viscount Crookshank , 22 March 1960 – 17 October 1961
Ralph Assheton, 1st Baron Clitheroe , 22 February 1962 – 18 September 1984
Gordon Richardson, Baron Richardson of Duntisbourne , 10 January 1985 – December 1988
Robert Blake, Baron Blake , 6 January 1989 – September 1999
Douglas Hurd, Baron Hurd of Westwell , September 1999 – February 2011
Richard Luce, Baron Luce , February 2011 – October 2016
Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch , October 2016 – present
Sources
Wrightson, "The Social World of Early Modern Westminster: Abbey, Court and Community, 1525–1640" (English Historical Review 2007; CXXII: 180–182)