Lords and Gentlemen of the Bedchamber

Common card · No. 493976

Gentleman of the Bedchamber was a title in the Royal Household, found in the Kingdom of Scotland from the 16th century and in the Kingdom of England from the early 17th century (having been introduced, in both places, by James VI and I); the title continued to be used 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 Gentlemen 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 practical functions became less important over time, but the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber continued to control access to the monarch; they 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.

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