The Office of High Steward ranks third in Civic Ceremonials after the Mayor and the Honorary Recorder. It is the highest office that the Council can bestow and is granted by only a few local authorities. Once awarded, the position is held for life.
Since 1557, the Borough of Ipswich has appointed twenty-four distinguished men as High Stewards, including notable figures such as Admiral Lord Nelson, the Earl of Essex, and Field Marshal Earl Kitchener of Khartoum.
History of the Office of High Steward
The power to appoint a High Steward was not initially granted by Royal charter. It was not until 1665 that King Charles II’s Royal charter officially referenced the office of High Steward.
No official records detail the specific duties of the High Steward. However, historically, the High Steward has been requested to present petitions to the Sovereign on behalf of the Borough. In modern times, the High Steward participates in most major ceremonial functions.
High Stewards of Ipswich (1557 - present)
- 1557-1580: Sir William Cardell
- 1581-1590: Sir Francis Walsingham
- 1590-1596: Lord Hunsdon
- 1596-1600: Robert Devereux, KG
- 1600-1609: Rt Hon Thomas Buckhurst
- 1609-1627: Thomas, Earl of Suffolk
- 1627-1653: Theophilus, Governor of the Isle of Jersey
- 1653-1692: James, son of Theophilus
- 1699-1703: Charles, Lord Cornwallis
- 1703-1726: Earl of Dysart, Sir Lionel Tollemache
- 1800-1805: Admiral Lord Nelson
- 1806-1821: Rt Hon Wilbraham
- 1821-1848: Sir Robert Harland, Bart
- 1849-1874: Mr Charles Austin
- 1875-1882: Mr John Chevalier Cobbold
- 1882-1884: Sir Richard Wallace, Bart
- 1884-1909: Lord Gwydyr, Peter Robert Burrell
- 1909-1916: Field Marshal Rt Hon Earl Kitchener of Khartoum and Aspel
- 1916-1932: Alderman Sir Edward Packard
- 1932-1949: Rt Hon Lord Woodbridge of Ipswich
- 1950-1964: Rt Hon Lord Cranworth KG, MC, DI
- 1967-1988: Vice Admiral Sir Frank Mason KCB
- 1990-2007: Stuart Whiteley, CBE, QPM