s Sergeant's silver mace, 1651 - Hull Museums Collections

Sergeant's silver mace, 1651

This mace holds an important secret. On its end are the Royal Arms of King Charles I. This end comes off and on the other side are the Commonwealth Arms representing Oliver Cromwell. These were opposite sides in the English Civil War.

The mace was made when Cromwell was in charge of England. When King Charles’ son, Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 the end was turned over. This was re-engraved with the King’s Arms to avoid any trouble.

In 1642 Charles I tried to enter Hull a6nd was refused entry. He was trying to get at a large munitions store which would help in the looming Civil War. When Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 it would be important for Hull’s welfare to show its support. Especially having previously defied his father.

To have an official mace bearing the arms of the Commonwealth would have been a serious mistake. Rather than replacing it on this mace, the expensive silver was simply turned over and engraved with the Stuart Arms. Perhaps this hid someone’s true feelings as well?

This mace was a badge of rank for Sergeants-at-Mace. Some were used as weapons as well. There were Sergeants-at-Mace in Hull as early as 1440. The duties of the Sergeant-at-Mace may have changed from time to time. Elizabeth I in one charter in 1598 includes a provision for Sergeant’s-at-Mace. This is repeated in later charters, that the Mayor and Burgesses “shall and may” appoint Sergeants-at-Mace as they find necessary.