CHAMBERLAIN (Latin camerarius, from camera, a chamber), the keeper of the chamber. During the time of the Roman empire, the cubicularii or chamberlains were officers in immediate attendance on the person of the emperor. Their special duty was to announce visitors, superintend the domestic arrangements of the palace, &c.
The lord great chamberlain of England was originally a person of the highest importance, and took rank after the lord privy seal. The office is hereditary, and belonged at one time to the De Veres, from whom it descended by the female line into the family of Bertie. On the death of the second last Duke of Lancaster, it passed into the houses of Cholmondeley and Willoughby d'Eresby. From these families alternately a lord great chamberlain is appointed on the death of the reigning monarch.
The lord chamberlain of the king's household is an officer whose duty it is to appoint physicians, surgeons, chaplains, and tradesmen for the royal family. He also licenses plays, and has the right of selecting the theatrical companies that perform before the reigning monarch.
The chamberlain of the corporation of the city of London is appointed by the liverymen. His duties are to decide on differences that may arise between masters and apprentices, and to admit on oath persons entitled to the freedom of the city. Appeal is open from his decisions to the lord mayor. He is also treasurer of the corporation, and in this capacity receives the various items which compose the city revenue, and discharges such debts as it may incur. The salary of this officer from different sources varies from £2000 to £3000 per annum.