Hunting, sporting and gaming: Groom Porters and Masters of the Tennis Courts

Groom Porter 1660–1782

The groom porter `Has the Inspection of the King's Lodgings, and takes care that they are provided with Tables, Chairs, Firing, &c. As also to provide Cards, Dice, &c. when there is playing at Court: To decide Disputes which arise in Gaming.' He was appointed by royal warrant. Appointments were subsequently embodied in letters patent under the great seal. (fn. 1) The office was abolished in 1782. (fn. 2) In 1660 the remuneration consisted of wages of £2 13s 4d, board wages of £127 15s, lodgings, and fees from the `oversight of common Billiards Tables, common Bowling Grounds, Dicing Houses, Gaming Houses and Common tennis Courts and power of Licensing the same within the Citys of London and Westminster or Borough of Southwark.' (fn. 3) In 1702 the groom porter's fixed remuneration was raised to £550 from the treasurer of the chamber and £130 8s 4d from the cofferer. (fn. 4)

Master of the Tennis Courts c.1675–1837

The early history of this office is obscure. In 1675 when Thomas Cooke held it the reversion was granted to Horatio Moore who did not come into possession until Cooke's death in 1697. In 1689 Henry Villiers received a grant for the remainder of Cooke's life. (fn. 5) Appointments were embodied in letters patent under the great seal which granted the office during pleasure from 1708. The remuneration consisted of a salary of £120 and an allowance of 8d a day making a total of £132 3s 4d. (fn. 6)