Civic Regalia

The Mayoral regalia includes a sword which probably dates from the 15th century.

The scabbard was given to Chester in 1668 by Charles Earl of Derby. At the same time he also gave the City its magnificent silver gilt mace.

 

 

The sword and mace are used for ceremonial occasions and are carried in front of the Lord Mayor in processions. The Lord Mayor also has a silver oar, which is carried at events which the Lord Mayor is attending as Admiral of the Dee.

 

The oar is used when the function is connected with the river, for example. The Chester goldsmith, Richard Richardson I made the oar in 1719-20.

John Williams, a former Mayor, presented the Mayor's chain of office in 1851. For evening functions the Lord Mayor wears a jewel consisting of an 18 carat oval gold medallion, surrounded by 51 diamonds. Miss Nessie Brown presented the jewel in November 1890 on the occasion of her brother Alderman Charles Brown's election as Mayor for the fourth time.

The Lady Mayoress also has a chain and a delicate 'evening jewel' of diamonds and sapphires.

The Lord Mayor's Black and Velvet Robes and the Sheriff's robes were presented by Capital Bank  to commemorate the awarding of the Lord Mayoralty to Chester. 

Capital Bank also presented the impressive Mayoralty Gates that stand at the entrance to the Town Hall.