The Sword Bearer, with his magnificent feathered Cap of Maintenance, is a splendid sight in the annual prcession to the Cathedral made by the Mayor and Corporation. His is an ancient office, and it needs a fine figure of a man to carry it off. So great a privilage was it considered in bygone days to carry the sword, that on December 1st, 1755, Robert Howarth, a member of the Corporation, resigned his seat in order to become Sword-bearer, to which office he was appointed on the day he resigned. His portrait painted in oils, was represented in the full paraphernalia of his office, with sword erect. The picture now hangs in the Guildhall.
