House of Commons Journal Volume 7: 8 July 1653

Friday, the 8th of July, 1653.

Serjeant at Arms.

ALDERMAN Tichborne reports from the Committee to whom the Claim of Serjeant Birkhead to the Office of Serjeant at Arms was referred, and his Qualification and Fitness for the said Office, the Votes of that Committee; viz.

That Serjeant Birkehead his Patent, granted by the Parliament the Fifth Day of May 1646, in the King's Name, for the Place of Serjeant at Arms to the Parliament, during his Life, with a Fee of Twelve-pence per Day, and a Vesture, is in their Judgment, good to him, for what is herein contained:

That, in their Opinion, upon Inquiry, Serjeant Birkhead is a fit Person for the Office of Serjeant at Arms to this Parliament, according to the Order of the House for Qualifications.

The Question being propounded, That the Patent of Mr. Birkhead be allowed;

And the Question being put, That this Question be now put;

It passed with the Affirmative.

And the main Question being put;

It passed in the Negative.

The Question being put, That Mr. Birkhead shall be Serjeant at Arms to this House;

The House was divided.

The Yeas went forth.

So it was Resolved, That Edward Birkhead Esquire shall be Serjeant at Arms to this House.

Resolved, That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do repair to Lieutenant Colonel Worseley for the Mace; and do bring it to this House.

The Mace.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee, who brought in the Report touching the Serjeant, to consider of the Use of the Mace, and with whom it shall remain; and report their Opinion to the House.

Council of State.

This Day the House took into Consideration the Instructions given formerly to the Council of State: Which were now read.

Ordered, That the Debate upon these Instructions be adjourned till To-morrow Morning; and be then proceeded in.