States marks 360 years of Jersey's royal mace
BAILIFF OF JERSEYTuesday marks 360 years to the day that Jersey was gifted its royal mace.
The mace is seen as a symbol of the island's special status and historical links with the British Crown.
On 28 November 1663 it was given as thanks for Jersey giving refuge to the future King Charles II during a turbulent period of England's history.
To mark the occasion the mace will be carried before the bailiff into the States Assembly meeting, and placed at the head of the chamber.
It will be set alongside the permanent painting by Jason Butler, which depicts the Earl of Wessex's visit to Jersey in 2013 to mark the 350th anniversary of the mace's arrival.
The ceremonial mace is from a similar era to the one used in the UK parliament to represent royal authority.
It too was presented to the UK Parliament by King Charles II, and without it the House of Commons cannot meet or pass laws.
Jersey's mace is made up of 11 pieces of silver gilt, is 4ft 10in (1.5m) long, and weighs 14lb 13oz (6.6kg).
The mace can only be touched by bearers wearing gloves to help preserve the gilt.
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