The Mace

The Mace is the symbol of the authority of Senate.

It is of wrought silver with a shaft of polished hardwood. Emblazoned in gold on the head are the Royal Coat of Arms, the Arms of the Colony of New South Wales and those of the University of Sydney, with decorative motifs employing the rose, the thistle and the shamrock filling the intervening spaces.

The surrounding feature is a Royal Crown, below which is the motto DOCTRINA PARET VIRTUTEM (may teaching promote virtue).

The Mace Bearer, normally the Esquire Bedell, precedes the Chancellor in academic processions at graduations and on other ceremonial occasions, and the Mace has a special stand on the dais in the Great Hall.

The Mace, photo, University of Sydney Archives.

History

Charles Nicholson, the first Vice-Provost, suggested that a Mace, to be a symbol of the University's prestige and authority, should be granted by the Crown. This caused some consternation in England, where the Secretary of State for Colonies said he could find no precedent. He considered that it would be better if the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Charles Fitz Roy, were to present one to the University of Sydney on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and in her name. In June 1854, the Senate agreed to meet the cost of a Mace out of revenue from student fees and one which may have been designed by Edmund Blacket, was made in New South Wales by Brush and McDonnell.

The Mace, which was made in NSW by Brush and McDonnell, was acquired in the name and on behalf of Queen Victoria through the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Charles Fitz Roy, in 1854. Senate met the cost of the Mace out of the revenue derived from student fees.

From Record, University of Sydney Archives, 2002

Photo gallery

Click here for photos of the Mace in academic processions.