lord high admiral

British official

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June 30, 2026

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The lord high admiral was a high-ranking British official who formerly headed the naval administration of Great Britain. This office was initially responsible for governing England's navy.12

In the early 18th century, the responsibilities of the lord high admiral were transferred to commissioners known as the Board of Admiralty. The Admiralty, as a government department managing naval affairs, continued until 1964 when it was merged into the Ministry of Defence. The first lord of the admiralty was granted overriding powers and was directly accountable to Parliament for the navy.2

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Admiralty
…officer of state” called the lord high admiral of England. Early in the 18th century this office was placed in the hands of commissioners known as the Board of Admiralty. The board derived its powers from the royal prerogative; no act of Parliament defined or circumscribed them, except inasmuch as…
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…officer of state” called the lord high admiral of England. Early in the 18th century this office was placed in the hands of commissioners known as the Board of Admiralty. The board derived its powers from the royal prerogative; no act of Parliament defined or circumscribed them, except inasmuch as…
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admiral
…mayor, and in England as lord high admiral. The noblemen who held those posts were not seamen and did not command at sea except on rare occasions; they were heads of departments that administered naval affairs. They were responsible for providing ships for war, and their duties usually brought them…
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…mayor, and in England as lord high admiral. The noblemen who held those posts were not seamen and did not command at sea except on rare occasions; they were heads of departments that administered naval affairs. They were responsible for providing ships for war, and their duties usually brought them…
Read More