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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
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An obsolete medieval office (since 1399 every monarch has been duke of Lancaster, thanks to *John of Gaunt). It is now used as a wild card in the cabinet. By this device the prime minister can appoint someone to concentrate on a specific task, free (if so required) of departmental duties. A holder of the office in the 1930s recorded that his work as chancellor took him about half an hour a week. The existence of the duchy is reflected in the form of the *loyal toast in Lancashire.
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