Before 1782, the responsibilities of the two British Secretaries of State were divided not based on the principles of modern ministerial divisions, but geographically. The Secretary of State for the Southern Department, the more senior Secretary of State, was responsible for Southern England, Wales, Ireland, the American colonies (until 1768), and relations with the Roman Catholic and Muslim states of Europe. The more junior Secretary of State for the Northern Department was responsible for Northern England, Scotland, and relations with the Protestant states of Northern Europe.
Secretaries of State for the Southern Department, 1660-1782
