Cumbria’s university honours recently retired Lord-Lieutenant

After 10 years as Cumbria’s Lord-Lieutenant, the Monarch’s representative in the county, Claire retired on 3 July – her 75th birthday. 

And in recognition of her lifelong and outstanding contribution to charity, community, and service to the Monarchy in the county, Claire has had an Honorary Fellowship bestowed up on her by the University of Cumbria. 

Over the last decade, as Lord-Lieutenant, Claire was involved in planning Royal visits to Cumbria, accompanying Royal visitors, and presenting awards on behalf of the Queen, and now the King. 

Claire, pictured right, has been involved in voluntary work for over four decades. Her longest standing commitment was as a trustee and then chairman of the Bendrigg Trust – a short stay outdoor activity centre for disabled and disadvantaged young people. 

She was involved with the NHS for 10 years. Claire also served as a member of the Council of Lancaster University and, from 2001, was a Deputy Pro-Chancellor. She was also on the University of Cumbria board of directors for nine years. 

As High Sheriff of Cumbria in 2007-08 Claire worked with offenders and in prisons, with the Shannon Trust at HMP Haverigg, as a trustee of Step-by-Step Cumbria, and as President of the Cumbria Alcohol and Drugs Advisory Service (CADAS). 

Other roles have included as a General Commissioner of Income Tax, a member of Carlisle Cathedral’s finance committee, a trustee of the Frieda Scott Charitable Trust, and treasurer of Crosthwaite Parish Church Council. 

Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell, who was herself appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria in 2022, was the one to place the distinctive black tudor bonnet (worn by Honorary award recipients) upon Claire’s head.

Honorary Fellowship: Prof Julie Mennell and Claire Hensman during ceremony

Cumbria’s new Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Scott, the county’s High Sheriff Sam Scott, and civic dignitaries from Lancaster and Lancashire were among the VIPs watching during yesterday’s ceremony inside Carlisle Cathedral. 

Claire said: “I have watched the university’s development over the last 16 years, and today fulfilling the purpose for which it was established. Under the current leadership who are so collegiate and responsive, we have the prospect of a very exciting future with prestigious partners and major new campus investments. For me still to be involved through a fellowship is a great honour.” 

l-r: Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott, University of Cumbria Honorary Fellow Claire Hensman CVO and Vice Chancellor Prof Julie Mennell DL, and High Sheriff of Cumbria, Sam Scott.

As part of its Towards 2030 strategy, the University of Cumbria has advanced plans for new campuses in Carlisle city centre and Barrow-in-Furness, and ambitions to open the graduate-entry Cumbria School of Medicine in partnership with Imperial College London. 

Congratulating graduands, Claire added: “Although some of your time will have been affected by the pandemic, making your studying much harder, you have come through with flying colours and I hope with confidence for future career success and happiness.” 

University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL said: “Claire epitomises what it is to dedicate one’s life to the service to others and the benefits this brings to our communities and county. Claire has been a  tremendous support and advocate for the University of Cumbria since our establishment in 2007, serving as a board member for nine years. Simply, she has made an outstanding  contribution to voluntary work, recognising the achievements of others and service to the Monarchy in Cumbria.

"We thank her for all she has contributed and are proud to award Claire her Honorary Fellowship. We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with her.”

Claire was born and brought up in Somerset, where her parents were GPs.  

She read law at the London School of Economics before enjoying a career in the investment departments of Hill Samuel, M&G, and NM Rothschild. 

Marrying Peter in 1973, the couple moved to Cumbria in 1979, settling in Crosthwaite near Kendal. They now have three grown-up children and seven grandchildren. 

She was appointed Commander of the Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2023 New Year’s Honours, for her service to the Monarchy. 

Away from her public and civic duties, Claire enjoys relaxing and working in the family garden. 

This week, the University of Cumbria is also awarding Honorary Doctorates to west Cumbria born leader in science, technology, and innovation Professor Graham Wren; Queen’s Nurse Professor Patricia Anne Harriss; and south Cumbrian born national leader in engineering and education Professor Helen James. 

Find out more about the University of Cumbria’s other honorary award recipients at: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/organisation/honorary-fellows/ 

Discover more about courses at the University of Cumbria at www.cumbria.ac.uk/study