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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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mace
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Of three maces used in *parliament, the best known is that of the *Speaker of the House of Commons. It dates from 1660, the mace used in earlier reigns having been destroyed during the *Commonwealth. At the head of the silver-gilt shaft is a crown with an orb and sceptre, for the mace symbolizes the royal authority delegated to the Speaker. The symbolic aura surrounding the mace was evident in the outrage provoked by Michael Heseltine when, in 1976, he picked it up and brandished it in the chamber.
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There are two maces in the House of *Lords because the lord chancellor fulfils two separate functions, one as Speaker and the other when presiding over the House in its judicial capacity (see *courts of law). Maces were originally offensive weapons – clubs with heavy spiked heads – and these ceremonial versions may have developed in the Middle Ages from weapons carried in procession by guards.
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