Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837. Originally published by University of London, London, 2006.
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'Transport: Knights Harbinger and Masters of the Barges', in Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837, (London, 2006) pp. 225-227. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/office-holders/vol11/pp225-227 [accessed 19 April 2024]
In this section
Knight Harbinger 1660–1837
The knight harbinger and his subordinates below stairs were responsible for finding accommodation for the court while on progress. The knight harbinger was appointed by lord chamberlain's warrant. (fn. 1) Appointments were embodied in letters patent under the great seal granting the office for life until 1695 and during good behaviour thereafter. The remuneration consisted of 10s a day and 40 marks a year totaling £193 16s 8d a year. This officer was also allowed riding wages, and fees of honour which yielded around £60 per annum early in the eighteenth century. (fn. 2)
Master of the Barges 1660–1837
The master of the barges was appointed by lord chamberlain's warrant. From 1660 to 1702 he received £30 per annum in wages. This rose to £100 under Queen Anne. By 1782 he made £100 plus £17 for livery and payment on bills which came to about £68 in that year. By the end of the period this officer held during good behaviour and his remuneration consisted of £82 plus a livery allowance of £22 9s 6d, £5 5s in fees on the appointment of individual watermen and £2 2s when called on to attend the House of Lords.
Late in the period the master of the barges (increasingly called the bargemaster) was also keeper of the swans.