On 14 April 1882, George W. Rendel, a renowned civil engineer working for both the Elswick Ordnance Company and the Armstrong Whitworth Shipbuilding Company, was appointed as an Additional Civil Lord on the Board of Admiralty.

The post holder was usually held by a person who was neither a naval officer or a politician it existed briefly until 1885 before being abolished.

As of April 1882, the holder's responsibilities included (duties shared with Controller of the Navy):[4] Additional as of September 1912.

[5] NOTE.—Tenders for Ship's Hulls and Propelling Machinery, Armour, and important Gun and Air-craft Orders, will also be marked to the Third Sea Lord.

NOTE.—Tenders for Ship's Hulls and Propelling Machinery, Armour, and important Gun and Aircraft Orders, will also be marked to the Third Sea Lord.