Paul Brewster on 6 Aug 2003  •  Link

Pepys describes him on 30 July 1660 as the sword-bearer of London. This position is defined simply as an officer in London who carries a sword before the lord mayor when he goes abroad.
http://dict.die.net/sword%20beare…

From the City of London, Golden Jubilee site:
"Brigadier Neill O Connor, of Wilton, Salisbury, is the Swordbearer to the Lord Mayor of the City of London, a ceremonial role dating back to 1420. The Swordbearer is the most senior of the Lord Mayor's three personal staff officers, known as the Esquires."

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/me…

Terry Foreman on 9 Jul 2013  •  Link

The Esquires [ordinarily serve] at the Mansion House; The City Marshall, the Sword Bearer and the Common Crier/ Mace Bearer; these run the Lord Mayor's official residence, the office and accompany him on all occasions, usually senior military officers with diplomatic experience.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City…

Security?

Bill on 31 Jul 2013  •  Link

The Sword-bearer.
This Officer is to attend my Lord Mayor at his going abroad, and to carry the Sword before him, being the Emblem of Justice. He hath his Table at my Lord Mayor's: For the Support of which, there is 1000l. a Year allowed. His Dwelling, allow'd him by the City, is at Justice Hall in the Old Bailey.
The Sword-Bearer's Place is honourable; in as much as the Sword is needful to be born before Head Officers of Boroughs, or other corporate Towns, to represent the State and princely Office of the King's Most Excellent Majesty, the chief Governor.
---A survey of the cities of London and Westminster. J. Stow, 1735.

San Diego Sarah on 31 Jul 2023  •  Link

L&M just says William Man was the Sword Bearer for the City of London. He must have done something to earn this position.