Office Keepers 1782-1870

Two Office, or Chamber, Keepers, one of whom acted by Deputy, were taken over by the Foreign Office from the former Northern Department. In 1824 a Third, or Assistant, Office Keeper was appointed, and in 1853 a Fourth. (fn. 1) The salaries of the Third and Fourth Office Keepers were paid from the contingent fund until both offices were placed on the establishment in 1854. (fn. 2) The number of Office Keepers was increased to five in 1861 and to seven in 1868. (fn. 3)

Until 1795 the two Office Keepers received salaries of £20 16s. each from the Secretary of State together with office fees and certain other perquisites. (fn. 4) In 1795 the salaries were fixed at £100 each. (fn. 5) In 1845 the salary of the First Office Keeper was increased to £200 in lieu of all perquisites and emoluments. (fn. 6) The salary of the Third Office Keeper was fixed at £100 in 1824 and increased to £150 in lieu of all perquisites and emoluments in 1843. (fn. 7) The salary of the Fourth Office Keeper was fixed at £100 in 1853 and increased to £125 in 1856. (fn. 8) The salaries of the Fifth to Seventh Office Keepers were fixed at £125. (fn. 9)

Footnotes