Knowledge Base Guide: Custos Rotulorum

Overview:

The term “Custos rotulorum” (/ˈkʌstɒs roʊtjʊˈlɔːrəm/; plural: custodes rotulorum; Latin for “keeper of the rolls”, Neo-Latin: [ˈkus.tos roˈtuː.lo.rum]) is a civic post recognized in the United Kingdom (except Scotland) and in Jamaica.


England

Historical Background:

  • As of 1911, the custos rotulorum was the keeper of county records in England and the highest civil officer in the county. This position is now largely ceremonial.

Appointment:

  • Initially appointed by the Lord Chancellor until 1545, the role is now filled by the Crown, under the Royal sign-manual, and typically held by a person of rank.
  • The role has been united with the lord-lieutenancy of counties throughout England since 1836. For example, the custos rotulorum of Lancashire was appointed by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and that of County Durham by the Bishop of Durham until the abolition of its palatine rights.

Functions:

  • Traditionally, the custos rotulorum was one of the justices of the peace and responsible for appointing the clerk of the peace, a role abolished by the Courts Act 1971.

Notable Historical Perspective:

  • William Lambarde (1536–1601) described the custos rotulorum as a person chosen for his wisdom, countenance, or credit.

References:

  • “The Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th Edition”, 1911.

Ireland

Historical Background:

  • The role of custos rotulorum was adopted in the Kingdom of Ireland, abbreviated as “CoRo”.
  • From 1831, the title passed to the Lord Lieutenant of each county.
  • Custodes rotulorum were abolished by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. After the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922, the posts were abolished, but Lord Lieutenancies remain in Northern Ireland.

Jamaica

Historical Background:

  • The Office of the Custos in Jamaica can be traced back to fourteenth-century England. The first mention in Jamaica was in the Legislative Council Minutes on July 28, 1668.
  • The first named Custos was Henry Morgan, appointed as Custos of Port Royal during the governorship of the Earl of Carlisle in 1680.

Roles and Duties:

  • The Custos Rotulorum must be a Justice of the Peace and handle minor criminal charges.
  • Duties include presiding over Petty Sessions Court, receiving dignitaries, recommending JPs to the Governor, being an ex-officio member of the Parochial Board, visiting hospitals and prisons, and appointing polling places and personnel.

Appointment and Tenure:

  • A Custos is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister and must be a resident of the parish (except for the Corporate Area).
  • They hold office at the Governor-General’s pleasure and must vacate upon moving residence or reaching 75 years, unless requested to continue.

Modern Roles:

  • Chairing various committees, such as the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee, the Parish Advisory Committee on Local Government Reform, the Community Consultative Committee, and more.
  • Serving as co-chair of the Labour Day Committee and chair of the Prime Minister’s Values and Attitudes Committee and the parish Disaster Preparedness Committee.
  • Acting as President of the Lay Magistrates Association.

Privileges:

  • Entitled to be referred to as “Honourable” during and after tenure.
  • Allowed to affix “C R” plates to their motor vehicle.
  • Typically conferred a National Honour of no less than the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) upon or soon after appointment.

References:

  • “Ministry Paper Numbered 2, Appendix I”, approved by Parliament on July 5, 1959, and gazetted on February 5, 1963.
  • Historical records from the Legislative Council Minutes and various local government documents.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the role and duties of the Custos Rotulorum, with specific references to historical and modern practices in England, Ireland, and Jamaica.

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