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The Mace is a symbolic and historical feature of Parliament.
The Mace was originally a weapon — a ‘loaded club’ which was capable of denting armour.
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Roman soldiers were pictured on stone tombs carrying these weapons. |
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The Mace was suited to those who had to command as well as fight. |
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Today’s Mace is a symbol of the authority of the Speaker. |
Mace in the Legislative Assembly
The Assembly has had three Maces:
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The first was a gilded wooden Mace used between 1857–65 and 1891–1901. |
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The second Mace was engraved with the English and Victorian coats of arms and a headpiece decorated with the maltese cross. It was used from 1865 until it was stolen from the Speaker’s chamber in 1891. It has never been recovered. |
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The current Mace is five feet long, weighs 18 pounds, is made of silver and gilded to give the appearance of solid gold. It was first used in 1901. |
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