Groom of the Stool

In 1509 William Compton (age 27) was appointed Groom of the Stool to King Henry VIII of England and Ireland (age 17).

In 1526 Henry Norreys (age 44) was appointed Groom of the Stool.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Jun 1683. I visited my Lady Arlington (age 49), groom of the stole to her Majesty (age 44), who being hardly set down to supper, word was brought her that the Queen (age 44) was going into the park to walk, it being now near eleven at night; the alarm caused the Countess (age 49) to rise in all haste, and leave her supper to us.

In 1685 Robert Leke 3rd Earl Scarsdale (age 30) was appointed Groom of the Stool.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Feb 1685. This morning his Ma* (age 51) restor'd the staffe and key to Lord Arlington (age 67), Chamberlaine; to Mr. Savell (age 43), Vice-chamberlaine; to Lords Newport (age 64) and Malnard (age 62), Treasurer and Comptroler of the Household; Lord Godolphin (age 39) made Chamberlaine to ye Queene (age 26); Lord Peterborow (age 63) Groome of ye Stole in place of the Earle of Bath (age 56); the Treasurer's staff to the Earle of Rochester (age 42); and his brother the Earle of Clarendon Lord Privie Seale in place of the Marquis of Halifax (age 51), who was made President of the Council; the Secretarys of State remaining as before.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Jan 1686. I din'd at my Lady Arlington's (age 52), groome of the stole to the Queene Dowager (age 47), at Somerset House [Map], where din'd the Countesses of Devonshire (age 40), Dover (age 76), &c. in all 11 ladys of quality, no man but myselfe being there.

Evelyn's Diary. 05 Dec 1686. I dined at my Lady Arlington's (age 52), Groom of the Stole to the Queen Dowager (age 48) at Somerset House [Map], where dined divers French noblemen, driven out of their country by the persecution.

On 22 Apr 1689 Elizabeth Butler Countess Derby (age 29) was appointed Principal Lady in Waiting to Mary Stewart II Queen England Scotland and Ireland (age 26) as well as Groom of the Stool and Mistress of the Robes attracting a salary of £1200 per annum (£800 and £400 respectively).

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Dec 1700. Great alterations of officers at Court, and elsewhere, - Lord Chief Justice Treby died; he was a learned man in his profession, of which we have now few, never fewer; the Chancery requiring so little skill in deep law-learning, if the practicer can talk eloquently in that Court; so that probably few care to study the law to any purpose. Lord Marlborough (age 50) Master of the Ordnance, in place of Lord Romney (age 59) made Groom of the Stole. The Earl of Rochester (age 58) goes Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

In 1761 Francis Hastings 10th Earl Huntingdon (age 31) was appointed Groom of the Stool which position he held until 1770.

In 1812 Charles Burroughs-Paulet 13th Marquess Winchester (age 47) was appointed Groom of the Stool to King George III (age 73). He held this office through the reigns of King George IV (age 49) and King William IV (age 46) until King William's death in 1837.

Thomas Heneage was appointed Groom of the Stool to King Henry VIII of England and Ireland.