Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What responsibilities did Joseph Addison hold as secretary to the lord lieutenant of Ireland?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison, oil painting by Michael Dahl, 1719; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
In 1708, Joseph Addison was appointed secretary to the earl of Wharton, who served as the lord lieutenant of Ireland. While the title was secretary to the lord lieutenant, the responsibilities of the position were effectively those of a secretary of state for Irish affairs. This role was both prestigious and lucrative, providing Addison with an annual revenue of approximately £2,000. He held this government post until August 1710.1