Until quite recently it was customary for the Lord Mayor to go on Sundays in state to one or other of the City churches.

On these occasions the Lord Mayor was accompanied by the sheriffs and officials of the Corporation, and escorted by the mace-bearer and sword-bearer, the latter wearing the cap of maintenance, and carrying the state sword. It was usual for the alderman of the ward to be present with any other aldermen that pleased to come, and as many aldermen as came brought with them their ward beadles, carrying the ward maces.