Gentlemenat Arms

Gentlemen-at-Arms, a royal body-guard established by Henry VIII. in 1509, and originally entitled "gentlemen pensioners." The corps consists of a captain, a lieutenant, a standard-bearer, a clerk of the cheque, and forty gentlemen, all in receipt of a salary. Commissions are given by the Crown, on the recommendation of the commanderin-chief, as a reward for distinguished military service. Gentlemen-at-arms still attend the sovereign on certain solemn and festive occasions.