In the 13th Century in the Westminster Parliament, the Mace was carried by the Sergeant-at-Arms and used as a weapon to protect the Speaker from attack. At that time, the Speaker, as spokesman for the Parliament, was often the focus of anger for people who did not support the work of the Parliament. The Mace sits on the Table of the Assembly at all times during a sitting day and is carried by the Sergeant-at-Arms at the beginning and end of the day, as a symbol of the power of the Speaker and the need to protect the Speaker’s authority.

For more information on divisions see Fact Sheet 27 - Sergeant-at-Arms and Usher of the Black Rod.