Lancaster, Duchy of, is a group of estates belonging to the reigning British monarch, who personally receives its revenues. It includes Lancashire, the County Palatine of Lancaster. The duchy is an independent administrative unit headed by a chancellor. The chancellor appoints county court judges and justices of the peace for Lancashire. The chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is a member of the government and performs various ministerial duties. The duchy was created in 1265 and has belonged to the monarch since 1399.
