Knight Marshal


The Knight Marshal is a former office in the British Royal Household established by King Henry III in 1236. The position later became a Deputy to the Earl Marshal from the reign of Henry VIII until the office was abolished in 1846.
The Knight Marshal and his men were responsible for maintaining order within the King's Court which was abolished in 1849.
According to The Present State of the British Court, published in 1720,
The Knight Marshal was appointed by the Crown for life by letters patent under the great seal frequently in the form of grants in reversion. Board wages were fixed at £21 5s 10d in 1662. In 1685 a salary of £26 was provided. This was raised to £500 in 1790 but reduced to £271 in 1816.
The separate office of Knight Marischal exists in the Royal Household of Scotland, but has not been filled since 1863.

List of Knights Marshal

A token number of Marshalmen continued to be appointed even after the demise of the Marshalsea Court; they became honorary appointments within the Royal Household and were in attendance on the Sovereign on ceremonial occasions. Six King's Marshalmen took part in the 1937 Coronation procession; since when appointments to this office have ceased. The Marshalmen wore a distinctive uniform, consisting of a scarlet coat, blue trousers and a shako, and carried a baton engraved with the Royal Arms at one end, and at the other the coat of arms of the City of Westminster.