The Lord Deputy of Ireland was the representative of the English monarch in Ireland, responsible for governing the country on behalf of the crown. This position emerged in the late medieval period and continued until the 17th century. The Lord Deputy oversaw military, political, and administrative matters, often working to maintain English control over Ireland. The role was significant during times of conflict, such as the Nine Years' War and the Williamite War in Ireland. The Lord Deputy often faced challenges from local Irish chieftains and was tasked with implementing English law and policies, which sometimes led to tensions between the English and Irish populations.