They were responsible for representing British interests in the Sultanate of Zanzibar.
On 7 November 1890, the United Kingdom proclaimed protectorate over the sultanate (according to the terms of the Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty with the German Empire).
On 10 December 1963, the United Kingdom terminated its protectorate.
On 26 April 1964, the People's Republic united with mainland Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which was later renamed to the United Republic of Tanzania.
(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office.)