" The cap
of maintenance was formerly worn by the sword-bearer on ceremonial
occasions, but was now carried on a cushion. The cap was made of black
beaver, and was preserved inside the embroidered crimson velvet cover
made in 1634. The sword of Edward IV was said to be the only existing
sword of the early English monarchs.
[Illustration: THE COMMON SEAL OF EXETER.]
The beautiful silver chains worn by the sergeants-at-mace with alternate
links of X and R, standing for Exeter, date from about the year 1500,
and were previously worn by the city waits. Exeter is the only city that
has four mace-bearers, and the common seal of the city is one of the
oldest in the kingdom, dating from 1170, and still in use.
The civic ceremonies, and especially those on Assize Sunday, are very
grand affairs. On that occasion the Judges and Corporation attend the
cathedral in state. The Judges arrive in the state-coach attired in
their robes and wigs, attended by the county sheriff in uniform, and
escorted by trumpeters and a posse of police. The Corporation march from
the Guildhall, the mayor in his sable robe and the sheriff in purple,
attended by their chaplains and the chief city officials in their robes,
and accompanied also by the magistrates, aldermen, and councillors.
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