Yeoman Bedell, Attendant in Charge and Attendant Staff

Included in the photograph is Colin Branson (seated, left), Shaun Cookson (standing, 6th from left), Tommy Fuller (standing, 7th from left), possibly Ralph Hayden (standing, 8th from left).

The Esquire and The Yeoman

On 13 June 1856, Senate approved the appointment of WC Windeyer as Esquire Bedell of the University [Ref 1], a role, which, along with the related Yeoman Bedell, was initially borrowed from the University of Cambridge but continues to be filled to this day. The role, which included having, "...charge of that portion of the Building devoted to the Museum [the Museum of Antiquities], and during the absence of the Curator shall be responsible for the due care of the Collection" [Ref 2], was held by Windeyer until 1866 when he was replaced by John Kinloch [Ref 3]. Kinloch served as Esquire Bedell for an impressive thirty years after which, the role was taken over by John Mitchell Purves in 1897. [Ref 4].

In 1870, during the Kinloch's tenure, the role of Yeoman Bedell was created and first filled by Joseph Burrows. [Ref 5]. The sandstone Gothic revival style building at the Parramatta Road entrance to the University was designed by Professor Leslie Wilkinson and built from 1939 to 1940 as a residence for the Yeoman Bedell. [Ref 6]. The building was known as the Yeoman Bedell's Lodge until 1985 when the Buildings and Grounds Committee recommended to Senate that, "...the Gatehouse at the main entrance to the campus be named "Baxter's Lodge". George Baxter was the first Yeoman Bedell to occupy the gatehouse when it was built in 1940 and lived there until his retirement in 1956". [Ref 7].

The position of Esquire Bedell underwent an amendment in 1991, when Senate heard from the Vice-Chancellor that, "The position of Esquire Bedell has remained vacant for some time. The Chancellor and I are in agreement that it would be appropriate if the position were attached to another position in the University, that of President of the Standing Committee of Convocation...Convocation has a particular role to play amongst the graduates of the University, and this would be one way of recognising that role and bringing Convocation into closer contact with the ceremonial aspects of graduations". [Ref 8]. Senate accepted the recommendation, noting that, "...the Esquire Bedell would not be expected to attend all graduation ceremonies...On the suggestion of a Fellow, the Vice-Chancellor amended the wording of the proposal to read, and Senate resolved, to invite the holder of the office of President of the Standing Committee of Convocation to be appointed as Esquire Bedell". [Ref 9]. This system lasted until 7 March 1994 when Senate heard that, "The Esquire Bedell carries the mace in the academic procession at graduation ceremonies. The President of the Standing Committee of Convocation has requested, as he is unable to attend ceremonies because they fall during working hours, that as a permanent arrangement he nominate a Standing Committee member to act as Esquire Bedell". [Ref 10]. The request was approved. [Ref 11].

This item is part of the University Archives' 70 Years, 70 Stories series, created to celebrate our 70th birthday on 3 May 2024. To discover more stories, explore the 70 Years, 70 Stories collection.

Ref 1: Senate Minutes 1856 to 1865 (07/01/1856 to 13/02/1865), p. 25, [REF-00002746]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 2: The Sydney University Calendar 1865 (1865), p. 42, [REF-00020818]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 3: The Sydney University Calendar 1866 (1866), p. 20, [REF-00020820]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 4: Calendar of the University of Sydney 1897 (1897), p. 206, [REF-00020878]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 5: The Sydney University Calendar 1870 (1870), p. 114, [REF-00020826]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 6: Baxter's Lodge (F02), [BLD-00000012]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 7: Senate Minutes Vol 7 August 1985, pp 1159-1370 (Aug 1985), p. 1244, [REF-00070553]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 8: Senate Minutes Vol 3 April 1991, pp 691-860 (02/04/1991), p. 703, [REF-00070615]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 9: see Ref 8, p. 692.

Ref 10: Senate Minutes Vol 2 March 1994, pp 326-666 (07/03/1994), p. 639, [REF-00070647]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 11: see Ref 10, p. 332.