Skip to content

 

Group of members of the Guild of Mace-bearers at the annual conference in 2020

Festive message from the Prime Warden

As we approach Christmas, on behalf of the entire Guild Council, I would like to extend our warmest wishes to all members. Thank you for your dedication throughout the year and for the professionalism you bring to civic life. We welcome new members, honour the contribution of long‑serving colleagues, and hold in our thoughts those facing illness or loss.
We look forward to coming together in the New Year—sharing experience, supporting one another, and celebrating the traditions that unite us. To everyone on duty over the festive period, thank you. Wishing all members a restful break and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
______________________________________________________________________________________

The Guild of Mace-Bearers

Paul Mayhew, Prime Warden of the Guild of Mace-Bearers 2024
.
The Guild of Mace-Bearers is the membership organisation for those experts in civic protocol who assist the civic heads of our nation to carry out their ceremonial duties. If you are a visitor we hope you enjoy learning about our guild and the job are all proud to do. If you are a member we hope you will log in to the site to assist you in making use of the guild to further your professional knowledge.

Paul Mayhew
Prime Warden 

So what does the Guild of Mace-Bearers do?

  • Provides free advice on Civic Protocol
  • Runs regular training events for Mayoral Officers/Chauffeurs/Mace-Bearers
  • Offers 1-2-1 training on-site for new Civic Staff given by experienced staff from other authorities
  • Produces an annual review magazine full of member’s news
  • Advertises vacancies for Mace-Bearing positions

The Guild has 201 members carrying out ceremonial duties at 120 separate authorities/universities spread across the whole of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

2025 Gala Celebration

The first formal gathering of a group of Mace-Bearers took place in Knowsley Hall, Lancashire in 1925. This led to the founding of our organisation in 1933. To mark this event we have recently held a Gala Celebration and Dinner in Liverpool where we were pleased to receive our newly created mace – the first (as far as we are aware) bearing the cypher of King Charles III.

So how do I join the Guild?

All working Mace-Bearers, whether full or part-time, employed by a civic authority or a university (or anywhere else) are welcome to join us.

If you are not a Mace-Bearer but are interested in our work you are welcome to join as a Friend of the Guild.

For further details or to apply for membership please visit the Membership page.

Mace-Bearer Vacancies

We are not currently aware of any vacancies for Mace-Bearer posts. For details of vacancies when advertised please visit the Mace-Bearer Vacancies page.

To advertise a post on our website please email the Webmaster

Patrons of the Guild

  • The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London
  • The Speaker of the House of Commons
  • The Speaker of the Scottish Parliament
  • The Speaker of the Welsh Assembly.

As the upholders of civic tradition we are proud and honoured to have received the recognition and support of the holders of these distinguished positions.