Secretary of State (Kingdom of Scotland)
The Secretary of Scotland or Lord Secretary was a senior post in the government of the Kingdom of Scotland.
Image: John Stewart, 3rd Earl of Buchan
Image: William Maitland of Lethington
Image: Portrait of Sir John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, attributed to Adrian Vanson
Image: First Earl of Haddington
Government in medieval monarchies generally comprised the king's companions, later becoming the royal household, from which the officers of state arose, initially having household and government duties. Later some of these officers became two: one serving state and one serving household. They were superseded by new officers, or were absorbed by existing officers. Many of the officers became hereditary and thus removed from practical operation of either the state or the household.
The Viscount Hailsham, robed as the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain. He was the Lord High Steward at the last trial of a peer in the House of Lords.
Page from an armorial showing the arms of Emperor Frederick III, c. 1415 – c. 1493
Page from an armorial showing arms of Kaiser Maximilian I, c. 1508 – c. 1519