GENTLEMEN of the Chapel; officers whose duty and attendance is in the royal chapel, being in number 32. Twelve of them are priests; the other 20, commonly called clerks of the chapel, assist in the performance of divine service. One of the first 12 is chosen for confessor of the household; whose office is to read prayers every morning to the household servants, to visit the sick, examine and prepare communicants, and administer the sacrament. One of 20 clerks, well versed in music, is chosen first organist, who is master of the children, to instruct them in music, and whatever else is necessary for the service of the chapel; a second is likewise an organist; a third, a lutanist; and a fourth a violist. There are likewise three vergers, so called from the silver rods they carry in their hands; being a serjeant, a yeoman, and groom of the vestry; the first attends the dean and subdean, and finds surplices and other necessaries for the chapel; the second has the whole care of the chapel, keeps the pews, and seats of the nobility and gentry; the groom has his attendance within the chapel door, and looks after it.