Lords and Gentlemen of the Bedchamber

Gentleman of the Bedchamber was a title in the royal household of the Kingdom of England from the 11th century, later used also in the Kingdom of Great Britain. A Lord of the Bedchamber was a courtier in the Royal Household; the term being first used in 1718. The duties of the Lords and Gentleman of the Bedchamber originally consisted of assisting the monarch with dressing, waiting on him when he ate, guarding access to his bedchamber and closet and providing companionship. Such functions became less important over time, but provided proximity to the monarch; the holders were thus trusted confidants and often extremely powerful. The offices were in the gift of The Crown and were originally sworn by Royal Warrant directed to the Lord Chamberlain.

This is an incomplete list of noblemen who have served as Lord of the Bedchamber or Gentleman of the Bedchamber:

Description and functions

There were always several holders of the office, who were invariably gentlemen and almost invariably peers, often important ones, as the regular access to the monarch which the role brought was the most valuable commodity of the courtier. The duties of the office involved waiting on the King when he ate in private, helping him to dress, guarding the bedchamber and water closet, and providing companionship.

From 1660 the office of first gentleman of the bedchamber was invariably combined with that of Groom of the Stool. On average the number of Gentlemen varied around 12 but fluctuated from time to time. During the reign of James II there were only eight, and none were appointed during the reign of Queen Anne.

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to James I of England (1603–1625)

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to Charles I of England (1625–1649)

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to Charles II of England (1660–1685)

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to James II of England (1685–1688)

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to William III of England (1689–1702)

Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to Prince George of Denmark (1702–1708)

Gentlemen and Lords of the Bedchamber to George I of Great Britain (1714–1727)

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Lords and Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to George II of Great Britain (1714–1760)

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Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to Frederick, Prince of Wales (1729–1751)

Lords and Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to George III of the United Kingdom (1751–1820)

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Lords and Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to George IV of the United Kingdom (1780–1830)

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Lords and Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to William IV of the United Kingdom (1830–1837)

Lords of the Bedchamber to King William IV (1830–1837)

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Lords of the Bedchamber to Prince Albert (1840–1861)

Lords of the Bedchamber to Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII (1866–1901)

Following Edward's accession to the throne, Baron Suffield was gazetted as a "Lord in Waiting" to the King.

Lords of the Bedchamber to George, Prince of Wales (1901–1910), later King George V (1910-1936)

Following George's accession to the throne, Baron Annaly was initially gazetted as "Lord of the Bedchamber in Waiting" to the king; but was subsequently referred to as "Lord in Waiting".

See also


This page was last updated at 2023-08-14 14:27 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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