Chamber Administration: Lord Chamberlain, 1660-1837

CHAMBER Administration

Lord Chamberlain 1660–1837

According to The Present State of the British Court,

The Lord Chamberlain has the Principal Command of all the Kings (or Queens) Servants above Stairs (except in the Bedchamber, which is wholly under the Grooms [sic] of the Stole) who are all Sworn by him, or by his Warrant to the Gentlemen Ushers. He has likewise the Inspection of all the Officers of the Wardrobe of the King's Houses, and of the removing Wardrobes, Beds, Tents, Revels, Musick, Comedians, Hunting, Messengers, Trumpeters, Drummers, Handicrafts, Artizans, retain'd in the King's or Queen's Service; as well as of the Sergeants at Arms, Physicians, Apothecaries, Surgeons, &c. and finally of His Majesty's Chaplains. (fn. 1)

The lord chamberlain was appointed by the Crown. Until 1783 his entry into office was marked by the reception of a staff; thereafter more usually of a key. (fn. 2) He was sworn by the vice chamberlain in pursuance of a royal warrant issued for that purpose. (fn. 3) Wherever possible appointments have been dated by reference to the former event; in other cases by reference to the warrant or certificate of swearing.

The remuneration attached to the office consisted of an ancient fee of £100 and board wages of £1,100 making a total of £1,200 a year. The lord chamberlain also received plate worth £400, livery worth £66 annually and fees of honour averaging between £24 and £48 a year early in the eighteenth century. Shrewsbury received a pension of £2,000 during his last year of office 1714–15. An annuity of £3,000 from the Exchequer, originally granted to Grafton 1724–57, was continued to his successors, bringing their total fixed remuneration to £4,200. (fn. 4) In addition, the lord chamberlain was entitled to lodgings at court and used mourning cloth. (fn. 5)

Vice Chamberlain 1660–1837

The vice chamberlain `is Deputy or Assistant to the Ld. Chamberlain, and in his Absence Commands.' Since many lords chamberlain were virtual absentees, much of the authority for making day-to-day decisions about the Chamber fell on the shoulders of the vice chamberlain. He was appointed by royal warrant. The remuneration amounted to £559 8s 4d consisting of wages of £66 13s 4d and board wages of £492 15s, plus lodgings. (fn. 6) On leaving office in 1694 Lowther was granted the arrears of an annuity of £600 at the Exchequer which was said to have been enjoyed by some of his predecessors. From this date this annuity was regularly granted to holders of the office on their appointment, bringing their total fixed income to £1,159 8s 4d. (fn. 7) During Anne's reign Coke received an annual allowance of £1,000 from the privy purse in addition to his other remuneration. (fn. 8)

Lord Chamberlain's Secretariat and Office 1660–1837

The lord chamberlain was served by a number of officials who were appointed by and were immediately responsible to him. From the Restoration he had the services of a secretary. Richard Coling was assisted throughout his period of service (1660–97) by a deputy secretary, his brother Benjamin, (fn. 9) but this office appears to have lapsed thereafter. From 1707 John Evans occurs as clerk in the office. At his death in 1734 he was described as deputy secretary. (fn. 10) Thereupon two individuals were appointed to the distinct posts of deputy secretary and first clerk. From 1748 a second clerk is listed. In 1758 Robert Griffin, formerly first clerk, is listed as deputy secretary together with one other clerk. From the following year the pattern of a deputy secretary and two clerks was resumed. (fn. 11) In 1782 the office of deputy secretary was abolished. (fn. 12)

After 1782 the growing responsibilities of the lord chamberlain resulting from the abolition of the great wardrobe, the jewel office, the board of works and the office of treasurer of the Chamber necessitated the appointment of further staff. From 1785 two assistant clerks were listed and a third assistant had been appointed by 1800. (fn. 13) In 1801 the office of superintendent of payments was created. (fn. 14) In 1823 the secretariat underwent a substantial modification. Two new senior posts, one designated comptroller of accounts and superintendent of the duties of the department and the other inspector of accounts, were created. The former first clerk was designated chief clerk and the second clerkship abolished. Thereafter the establishment consisted of the secretary, the comptroller, the chief clerk, the inspector, the superintendent and three assistant clerks. (fn. 15) The office of secretary was abolished in 1830 whereupon the comptroller became the senior executive officer under the lord chamberlain. (fn. 16)

The salary of the secretary, originally £60, was raised to £580 in 1782. In that year the salaries of the two clerks were fixed at £200 and £110. (fn. 17) In 1823 provision was made as follows: secretary £750, comptroller £400, chief clerk, inspector and superintendent £300 and the three assistant clerks £200, £180 and £150. (fn. 18) In 1831 the salary of the comptroller was fixed at £700. (fn. 19)

In addition, from 1812 a series of inspectors of deliveries was established. The inspector of household deliveries at St. James's was `considered to be held during life or Good Behaviour' and made £500 plus £91 5s board wages and £29 5s in compensation for loss of perks. That for Windsor served during pleasure and made £400. (fn. 20) The running porter made £40 per annum, the porter £30 in 1782. (fn. 21) By 1836 the office porter made £60 plus £16 5s in fees, an £80 allowance as an assistant in the pay office and £50–60 in gratuities from individuals receiving payment. (fn. 22) By 1836 the office messenger made £60 plus £50 as assistant in the office, plus £182 10 s `for going to and from the General Post Office three times a day with the King's Bag and Boxes so heavy and large that a coach is frequently hired to convey them'. (fn. 23) The chamber keeper made £60 by 1836. (fn. 24)

Secretary 1660–1837

Deputy Secretary 1660–1837

Clerks c. 1707–1837

Assistant Clerks c. 1785–1837

Superintendent of Payments 1801–1837

Comptroller 1823–1837

Inspector of Accounts 1823–1837

Inspector of Household Deliveries at Carlton House 1812–?1830

Inspector of Household Deliveries at St. James's 1830–1837

Inspector of Household Deliveries at Windsor Castle 1828–1837

?Under Clerks occ. 1693

Running Porter ( by 1792 Messenger) to the Lord Chamberlain 1782–1837

Office Porter to the Lord Chamberlain 1782–1802; 1807–1837

Chamber Keeper to the [Secretary to the] Lord Chamberlain by 1707–1837