History of the Beadle
The Masons' Beadle,
Richard Birtchnell, explains the role of the figure that proceeds the Master
Beadle,
sometimes spelled "bedel" is derived from the Latin "bidellus" or
"bedellus", rooted in words for "herald." He was originally an official
of the Roman Temple. The word Beadle has also been used to describe
early policemen and church or parish wardens.
The
Livery Companies, as they evolved, needed a point of contact between
the Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistants and the Livery in general.
They therefore appointed (and paid for) a Beadle, who took care of the
Company's meeting place ('Hall'), called the Court members and/or Livery
together on behalf of the Master, and enforced any disciplinary
measures decided by the Court.
The Beadle would also find
suitable apprentices, and would organise the social and ceremonial
functions. He was, in summary, a policeman, an almoner, a friend, social
worker and communicator.
He would be issued with a Staff of
Office, often wrongly called a mace, with which to protect the Master
and enforce discipline. The Staff is usually a tall one so that it could
be used as a rallying point at Common Hall etc. when the Livery was
summoned to "Attend upon the Master".
Whilst
the Livery all lived and worked within the Square Mile, the Beadle was
able to summon them personally, but, as people became dispersed, there
grew a need for someone who could write and so use the new postal
services to summon the Court. The humble Clerk then began his rise in
importance to his position today as the chief executive of the Company.
The office of Beadle, meanwhile, has become a ceremonial function.
The
Beadle in most Companies retains his stewardship of the Company's
property, including in many cases, the fabric of buildings owned by a
Company. The Beadle advises on matters of protocol, and acts in
collaboration with
the Clerk, to ensure all Livery functions take place smoothly and with
due decorum; that the required regalia and treasure is produced, in
place, and returned to the vaults after a function. He will attend the
Master and Wardens on all proper occasions, to ensure that they are
properly gowned and badged, and to assist the company by acting as
Toastmaster at all its functions.
Right - Ted Hall leads a procession of the Skinners' Company