Chamberlain is a court position. Chamberlains: “room gentlemen Chamberlains of the Russian Empire”

Chamberlain's key from the reign of Nicholas II. Bronze, gilding partially preserved. The eagle has been repaired, the pin is missing; an ear is soldered instead. The Imperial Crown is also missing.
Rare.

Ancient chamberlain keys are unique antiques that were an important attribute of the court rank. Their name comes from the German word "Kammerherr". Such a key meant that the chamberlain had the right to enter all the personal apartments of his monarch. At a time when St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire, chamberlains received special symbolic keys during a special ceremony at court. Of course, the chamberlain’s keys did not fit into any door in the imperial residence.
Although, initially, the history of the chamberlain position still began with real chamberlain keys, intended not for opening chambers, but for storeroom doors. In the sixteenth century, at the Spanish courts, there was the position of camarero, the holder of which was in charge of the king’s treasury and carried the key to it. At the courts of European emperors and kings, “cameriers” or “camerarius” served, later renamed “chamberlains” and becoming “room nobles”. At this time, the chamberlains inherited keys from previous times, which had already become symbolic.
Having lost their functionality, the chamberlain's keys became more elegant and were particularly beautiful. Ancient keys began to be made using gilding, and their heads were decorated with monograms and coats of arms of monarchs. The rank of chamberlain in Russia appeared in 1711 after the official marriage of Peter the Great with Marta Skavronskaya, who almost immediately began reforming the existing court staff in accordance with European standards. So, chamberlains began to replace ordinary lawyers with keys, room sleeping bags and stewards. Since uniforms for court servants did not yet exist in those days, the main symbol of the position was the chamberlain’s key.
In 1762, Catherine II came to the throne and immediately began to redevelop the farm. She determined the list of duties of the chamberlains and granted them the rank of conditional major general, obliged to stand at the throne and carry the train behind the empress. The chamberlains received not only a general's uniform, but also a golden key, which served as a sign of correcting the title of the position.
The chamberlains' keys could be different. Servants who managed to achieve the rank of chief chamberlain received golden keys encrusted with diamonds from the empress. They were worn on a special gold chain with two massive tassels. Both during the reign of Katerina and under Alexander I, chamberlain keys were made by craftsmen from gold, and their cost in 1805 was five hundred rubles.
Historians and antiquarians have found that until 1833 there was no single example of a chamberlain key. Under Alexander I, such keys were most often made arbitrarily or based on tradition. This caused dissatisfaction among the employees, so it was decided to work on the production of a single sample of the chamberlain's key, which was eventually approved in October 1833.
From that time until the beginning of 1917, the ancient chamberlain key differed only in the shape of the state coat of arms and the outline of the golden eagle that served as the handle of the key. The initials of the ruling emperor were also changed. According to the statute of the 18th - early 19th centuries, antique chamberlain keys were made exclusively of gold. Over time, the position of chamberlain lost its importance, and with it, chamberlain keys were no longer made.
Based on materials from the site transantique.ru

TITLES AND UNIFORMS OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE.

COURT RANKS AND RANKS.

Persons who were at the court of the Russian emperors were called courtiers. They constituted the smallest, but most elite part of the bureaucracy. If in the first half of the 18th century the number of courtiers was several dozen people, then in 1914 there were already 1600 of them.

What were the Russian imperial courtiers like? There were three groups: court ranks, court gentlemen and court ladies.

Back in 1711, courtiers were granted chamberlains and chamber cadets, who at that time were the main figures at court. After the introduction of the “Table of Ranks”, ranks appeared chief chamberlain imperial court, chief schenko, chief horseman, chief master of ceremonies, chief marshal and chamberlain, chief chamberlain And chamberlain. Almost all court ranks ended up in the ranks of generals, where the right to promotion to the next rank depended entirely on the discretion of the emperor.

Under Catherine II, the chief chamberlain became the most important rank of the court. He led the court cavaliers; he also represented to the members of the imperial family those who received the right of audience.

The Chief Chamberlain was in charge of the court staff and the finances of the court.

The chief marshal was in charge of all the household affairs of the court and court servants.

Ober-schenk was in charge of the wine cellars and the supply of wine to the courtyard.

The Chief of the Horse was in charge of the court stables.

Chief Jägermeister was in charge of the imperial hunt.

The chief master of ceremonies was in charge of organizing various kinds of court ceremonies.

Officials of various ranks tried their best to curry favor. For example, railway workers arranged various kinds of amenities in carriages for courtiers. And in gratitude for this they themselves received court titles as a reward.

Historical mosaic

The court rank gave its owner the opportunity to constantly and closely communicate with representatives of the royal family. A contemporary said this to Emperor Alexander III: “In Russia, the word of the person who has personal access to you will always be strong.” And the Chancellor of the German Empire, O. Bismarck, directly stated: “What I achieved, I achieved more as a chamberlain than as a minister.”

In the middle of the 19th century, 30 - 40 people held court ranks. But in 1914 - already 213.

SPECIAL COURTY RANKS

Chamberlain's ceremonial uniform

The first court ranks in Russia were the ranks "chamberlain" And "Chamber Junker" The duties of the holders of these ranks consisted of “duty under Her Imperial Majesty.”

At the end of the 18th century, these titles were increasingly awarded to representatives of noble noble families without length of service in previous classes. And so it turned out that young people without a serious education ended up with high degrees. Although according to the state of 1801, the set of chamberlains and chamber cadets was set at 12 people, but by 1809 there were 76 chamberlains, and 70 chamber cadets. And therefore, at the beginning of the 19th century, court ranks ceased to give the right to class. On the contrary, they complained to persons who already had civil ranks. This turn of events caused a murmur, since it took away the hope of a quick career and proximity to the court.

Alexey Alekseevich Bobrinsky (1800-1868) - son of Alexey Grigorievich Bobrinsky, grandson of Catherine II, count, guards officer, chamber cadet.

Since 1824, chamberlains and chamber cadets were no longer paid salaries. However, their number grew steadily. These titles gradually turned into an honorary award, giving the right to access to the palace. In 1914 the year of chamberlains and chamber-cadets was already 771 Human.

Chamber-page and page. His Imperial Majesty's Corps of Pages

Among the court cavaliers were also chamber-pages and pages. Under the leadership of the chief chamberlain there were 12 chamber-pages and 48 pages. Sons and grandsons of dignitaries of the first three classes could become pages. Usually young people were brought up in His Majesty's Page Corps. It was an elite educational institution founded in the middle of the 18th century. Pages of their final year of study were recruited to serve at court. The best of them received the title of chamber-pages and were constantly on duty with the emperor or one of the members of the imperial family. The duties of the pages consisted of participating in various kinds of ceremonies. Pages accompanied members of the imperial family, carried trains, held ladies' capes, and the like. Naturally, acquaintance with members of the imperial family helped the pages in their subsequent careers.

State Lady Mavra Shuvalova with a portrait of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna on a moire ribbon.

Maid of honor Praskovya Nikolaevna Repnina. With the lady-in-waiting code of Catherine II on a moire ribbon.

There were several honorary court titles for ladies and maidens. For ladies - state lady. Girls especially often complained about the title maids of honor. Only unmarried women could be maids of honor. The title of maid of honor gave the girl the opportunity to make a “brilliant match” when she got married. At the same time, she received a dowry from the court. And in some cases, the wedding itself was celebrated in the palace.

Historical mosaic

Alexander Pushkin portrait by O. A. Kiprensky

It is known that on December 31, 1833, A. S. Pushkin received the honorary title of chamber cadet. The court wanted to see his wife, and the title of chamber cadet opened the way for Pushkin to the palace. However, the poet considered this title insignificant and was offended. The poet's friends also considered the title unworthy of Alexander Sergeevich. They believed that Pushkin should have been a chamberlain. Let's look from a formal point of view. Pushkin at that time had the rank of “titular adviser,” or the rank of IX class. And according to the rules, he could not claim the title of chamberlain.

However, among the chamber cadets of that time there were many younger than Pushkin, which, of course, greatly offended the poet. In addition, the rank of chamber cadet was the lowest of the court ranks. And although it opened the way for the poet to the court, at his age it was considered humiliating.

ROYAL EXITS

Great royal exit. Coronation of Nicholas II

An honorary award for Russian citizens was considered to be presence atroyal exits. The exit was the solemn procession of members of the imperial family from the inner apartments to the palace church or the Throne Room.

Outputs were divided into big And small. Large exits were scheduled on the occasion of “major church holidays and special days.” Small - “on ordinary holidays and Sundays.” The holidays also included the name days of members of the imperial family.

In the Winter Palace, before the start of the procession, members of the imperial family gathered in the Malachite Hall. Then, in order of seniority, they went to church. In the Winter Palace, the procession followed through the state halls: Concert, Nikolaevsky, Antechamber, Field Marshal, Petrovsky, Armorial, Picket.

In addition to the imperial family, court officials, gentlemen and ladies took part in these appearances.

A precisely defined circle of people was invited to the exits. The small exits were attended by ladies of the court, the first ranks of the court, generals and officers of the retinue, and several second ranks of the court.

Much more people were invited to big events. In the halls along the march route, persons with the highest civil ranks, generals and officers of the retinue, guard, army and navy, as well as civil dignitaries of the first four classes, gathered on special agendas. Their wives and daughters could be present at the exit if they were presented to the empress.

Sometimes city mayors and merchants of the 1st guild were invited to the outings. On especially solemn occasions, the highest clergy and the diplomatic corps were invited.

During large exits, a picket from the Cavalry Guard Regiment lined up near the hall closest to the inner apartments. Being in the hall “behind the cavalry guards” (that is, closer to the imperial family) was considered a great honor. By the way, this right was used by those awarded the highest Russian orders - St. Andrew the First-Called and St. George of the 1st and 2nd degrees.

At the same time, contemporaries compared receptions at court with the stock exchange. There you could meet a lot of the right people at once, talk to them, and arrange your affairs.

Historical mosaic

Not everyone considered the right to attend the royal exit a great honor. Those who had to attend such receptions as a matter of duty considered their duty difficult, boring and exhausting. Some simply tried to evade its implementation. So in 1834, Nicholas I was forced to make a remark about the fact that some chamberlains and chamber cadets did not show up on April 14 in connection with the all-night vigil.

Alexander II in January 1863 expressed displeasure that “during the marriage of Her Imperial Highness Princess Maria Maximilianovna with His Grand Ducal Highness, those present in the church allowed themselves to talk among themselves, which caused such noise that the service could hardly be heard.”

ROYAL BALLS

Court ball in the Nicholas Hall of the Winter Palace

An invitation to a ball at the palace was considered no less honorable. Two thousand people were invited to large balls in the Winter Palace. The circle of invitees was determined by their ranks. In addition to court officials, gentlemen and ladies, there were high-ranking officers and officials, St. George's Knights, governors, leaders of the nobility and chairmen of earthly councils. Among the ladies present were the spouses and daughters of those persons who had a rank of at least IV class, the spouses of colonels and former ladies-in-waiting (with their husbands).

A man was invited to a court ball only if he had the right to be presented to the emperor. A lady was invited only if she had previously presented herself to the Empress. This right was primarily given to court ranks, gentlemen and ladies, as well as military and civilian ranks of the first four classes and some other persons.

Historical mosaic

Chamberlain's key

What kind of key are we talking about when they say "Chamberlain's key"?

The fact is that the court uniforms were the same. And ranks and titles had to be distinguished. And such insignia, for example, the minister of the imperial court, chief marshal and chief master of ceremonies had special batons or canes.

Chief Chamberlain's Key

Chamberlains had golden keys as their badge and rank since 1762. The Chief Chamberlain's key was studded with diamonds and worn on the hip on the right side on a gold cord with two massive tassels. On ordinary days, such a key could be replaced with a gold one, but with enamel. The chamberlains carried the key on a blue ribbon, tied in a bow, on the left side, near the pocket flap.

Chamberlain is the name of a court office. The word is a borrowing from the German language. What was the purpose of who had such a rank? What derivatives of this word are there in modern Russian?

Courtier

Chamberlain is a borrowing. Translated into Russian, the word Kammerherr means “master of the room” or “room master.” Therefore, the person holding this position in the Middle Ages (namely, in a troubled and gloomy era, this one appeared to monitor order in the room. But this is if we translate the term literally. In reality, the range of duties of this official was much wider.

The chamberlain is an official who was entrusted with the responsibility for the safety of funds. A commoner, of course, could not carry them out. An exceptionally noble person. The term “chamberlain” is ambiguous. The meaning of the word in each medieval state had its own shades, and therefore the official hierarchy in each country differed in specific features.

Great Britain

After the death of Elizabeth, James I ascended the throne. The English dynasty was in real danger. The Stuarts replaced the Tudors. A court war broke out. The king had to fight for power using both noble and treacherous methods. Elizabeth's proteges still hovered around the throne, plotting intrigues. In this matter, court officials had considerable experience. And in order to overcome the onslaught of the minions of the representatives of the English dynasty, the newly-crowned king organized new institutions of power. One of them was the Royal Bedroom. A fundamentally new position was the one called “chamberlain”. What it is? What were its features?

The chamberlains did not resolve issues of a national scale. At least in the first years of the position's creation. These people were close associates of the king. They had access to the royal mansions, where even members of the State Council could not enter without permission. At the beginning of the reign of James I there were nine chamberlains. By the end of his reign - twelve.

In Germany

As already mentioned, “chamberlain” is a German word. But it was not created in Germany. The fact is that other medieval states adopted the model of state organization. The concept of “chamberlain” appeared when the need for this position arose in the German principalities, of which there were a huge number. And already from Schiller’s language this word firmly entered the speech of Russian courtiers.

Under Peter I

The Great Reformer loved everything European. Moreover, the king imposed his preferences on those close to him. It was in the Russian language that many Germanisms appeared. The consumption of most of them was really necessary. Indeed, in the eighteenth century, engineering and shipbuilding actively developed in Russia. But Peter wanted not only to improve science, but also to organize the court hierarchy according to the European model. Therefore, he forced officials to study German. New words have appeared in the Russian lexicon. Among them are the names of positions that previously did not exist at court.

Chamberlainship did not become a fundamentally new phenomenon. A harmonious foreign word has replaced the original Russian one. Solicitors with a key began to be called chamberlains. Under Alexander I, this position was abolished. However, not completely. A few chamberlains still remained. But their role at court was purely symbolic.

Under Catherine II

The Empress, due to her origin, had great respect for everything European. That is why there were quite a lot of chamberlains in her years. At the same time, the responsibilities of the person holding this position were very light. The official, who had received a respected title, now walked around the royal mansions. However, many people at court had a similar appearance to him. How was he different from the rest?

Let's imagine the court society of Catherine's era. The chamberlain has no distinctive features. He does not wear special attire and hardly differs from the rest of the court brethren. In this case, how can you understand that this is the chamberlain? Very simple. This is the same man who wears the empress's train. When the royal person is seated on the throne, he stands behind her, from time to time serving water and fulfilling other minor wishes. Despite his insignificance, the chamberlain is the person who carries the key. Yes, not simple, but gold, decorated with diamonds. There were quite a few people holding this position during Catherine's reign.

Words formed from the concept

The same root word is “chamberlain”. Today it has gone out of use. The same key made of pure gold, which had exclusively symbolic meaning, was called the Chamberlain key.

Today this adjective can only be found in the name of one of the ancient Moscow streets. Officials once lived in the alley that runs between Tverskaya and Bolshaya Dmitrovka. Hence the name - Kamergersky Lane.

In 1711-1809 - court rank; in 1809-1917 - honorary title (from German Kammerherr - room).

The first actual Chamberlain was appointed on March 8, 1711, the grandbrother of Tsarina Natalya Kirillovna S.G. Naryshkin. He performed the duties of the former room attendant or sleeping bag.

In accordance with the decree of August 15, 1762, Chamberlains were to be present at all court ceremonies: at coronations, baptisms and funerals of the highest persons, at public visits of ambassadors, at ceremonial exits of the Imperial family, at ceremonial tables, etc. By decree of July 7, 1762 years The chamberlains were required to be on constant duty under the e.i.v. During coronations and other ceremonies, the Chamberlains (by appointment) carried the train of the Imperial Robe.

The chief chamberlain, chamberlains, and chamber cadets, according to the highest decree of August 15, 1762, carried out all the duties of court gentlemen, which were specially described for each ceremony by the chief chamberlain.

Chamberlain Prince G.D. Shervashidze. Photo by Keith Weiss from the early 20th century.

Under Peter I, all courtiers (including the Chamberlains) were attached to the empress.

According to the "Table of Ranks", approved on January 24, 1722, the actual Chamberlain corresponded to VI class. (form of address “Your Honor”).

The 1st court staff, approved on December 14, 1727, provided for 8 Chamberlains; in addition, according to the staff of the court of Grand Duchess Natalya Alekseevna, there was 1 Chamberlain.

In 1730, the entire court staff, incl. all Chamberlains, was subordinate to the Chief and Chief Marshal; The chamberlain was equated to the rank.

According to the staff of 1737, the Chamberlains were transferred from the VI class. in IV (form of address “Your Excellency”).

According to the highest approved staff of March 20, 1742, 5 more Chamberlains were appointed under the heir to the throne, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein (the rank of Chamberlain under the heir to the Imperial throne was equal to the rank of the court). Chamberlains of Catherine II were equal to the rank. Since June 28, 1775, 12 full-time and 12 supernumerary Chamberlains appeared.

For the entire XVIII century. there were 289 Chamberlains (with - 103).

Under Paul I, according to the “Court Monthly Book,” there were 26 Chamberlains, and the Chamberlains were promoted to the Chamberlain cadets. In June 1800, the possibility was provided for valid Chamberlains (IV class) to receive the rank of Privy Councilor (III class); the title of Chamberlain in this case was retained as an honorary title, but its holders were exempt from constant duty at court.

According to the new staff on December 18, 1801, 12 Chamberlains with a salary and 12 without a salary were approved; in addition, 2 Chamberlains under Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna and 2 Chamberlains under Grand Duchess Ekaterina Pavlovna. Alexander I restored 30 Catherine’s nobles to the rank of Chamberlain; During his reign, Chamberlains often transferred to military service, while maintaining their court rank. In fact, by 1809, since the beginning of the century, there had been 76 Chamberlains at court.

By the highest decree on April 3, 1809, the rank of Chamberlain was transformed into an honorary title. From that moment on, the honorary title of Chamberlain was awarded at the discretion of the Emperor. According to the highest approved decree of June 23, 1836, it was forbidden to give the title of Chamberlain to persons with a rank lower than state councilor; according to a personal decree of July 11, 1850, this qualification was raised to the rank of no lower than actual state councilor. Chamberlains, upon reaching the rank of privy councilor in the service, were excluded from the court lists.

The honorary title of Chamberlain could be given outside the public service, for example, a provincial leader of the nobility, elected for 3 three-year terms, could become Chamberlain.

From 1809 until the middle of the 19th century. two types of Chamberlains were distinguished: complete (i.e., 12 Chamberlains included in the court staff) and with the formula “rank of chamberlains.”

Since 1840, the 1st had civil ranks of III - IV classes, the 2nd - IV.

After 1809, the responsibilities of the Chamberlains, as before, included: daily (in the order of rotation) duty under the Empresses; presentation of males and other members of the Imperial family who came to the reception; special duties at court ceremonies, balls, and in the theater. Date of article writing: (date) Articles used in writing this article: PSZ I. ​​T. 6. No. 3890, 3969; T. 16. No. 11611, 11645; T. 24. No. 17700; T. 30. No. 23559, 26510; PSZ II. T. 1. No. 233; T. 11. No. 9336; T. 25. No. 24325; Miloradovich T.A. List of persons in the retinue of their majesties from the reign of the emperor. Paul I to 1886. Kyiv, 1886; Volkov NOT. Russian yard Emperors past and present. St. Petersburg, 1900; Shepelev L.E. Canceled by history: Ranks, ranks and titles in Russia. empires. L., 1977. Image source: GE

It has a fundamental difference from the business manager - the key holder. So, under the popes there is a head of the household - a chamberlain (lat. camerarius). This is the position of the Roman Curia. In documents the term Domini Papae camerrius appears in 1159. Previously and now he has the right to enter the Pope's chambers, for which he has his own key. Often a secretary and confidant. Often - an official who headed the financial service - the Apostolic Chamber (camera). The chamberlain was also in charge of the material assets of the Apostolic See. In 1274, Pope Gregory X decreed that the chamberlain continue to perform his functions during the vacancy of the Apostolic See, which ensured the safety of material assets during the period from the death of the Pope until the election of his successor. The position of Camerarius acquired great importance over time: first a prelate was appointed to it, then a bishop, and subsequently a cardinal.

Since the October Revolution, the chamberlainship was abolished. But on the initiative of the Russian State Historical Journal “Rodina”, a “public prize “Treasury of the Motherland” was established.” The statutory documents state that: “...The laureates of the award are awarded a Memorable Certificate and a special award sign - “Chamber’s Key”.

see also


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Synonyms:

See what “Chamberlain” is in other dictionaries:

    - (from Lat. camera, and German. Herr lord). A court rank granted to civil officials from the ancient nobility who, in full dress, wear a golden key. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910.… … Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

    Podkomorii Dictionary of Russian synonyms. chamberlain noun, number of synonyms: 4 rank (113) subcomo ... Synonym dictionary

    - (German Kammerherr) a court rank of senior rank (above the cadet chambers), initially 6th class, in the Russian Empire (from the 18th century) and some other monarchical states. Distinctive sign key on a blue ribbon... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

    CHAMBER, chamberlain, husband. (German: Kammerherr) (official pre-revolutionary and downloaded). A court honorary title in some monarchical states (above the chambers of a cadet). Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

    CHAMBER, huh, husband. In some monarchical states: a court rank of senior rank, as well as a person holding this rank. | adj. Chamberlain, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

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