Doorkeeper (Houses of Parliament)

The Doorkeepers of the Houses of Parliament are badged officers of the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament.

In the House of Commons there are 37 doorkeepers who serve as part of the Department of Chamber and Committee Services (DCCS) in the section of the Serjeant-at-Arms.

The role of Doorkeeper dates back to the 1300s, when the Palace of Westminster also served as a court and they served as prison guards. Over time their role changed to that of messengers from Parliament to the King. They wear a uniform of a black long-tailed coat, white bow tie, and a silver-gilt waist badge of office. Underneath each badge hangs a figure of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, symbolic of this early role.

Currently, their principal role is the security of the House of Commons, and each doorkeeper is equipped with a book containing the names and photographs of all 650 MPs. Since the tradition that the reigning monarch is barred from entering the House of Commons also extends to police officers as sworn servants of the Crown, the doorkeepers are responsible for the physical security of the house, receiving the same training as the police in restraining and removing any members of the public. The doorkeepers also deliver messages, Hansards, enquiries from Hansard, and the "green cards" – notes from members of the public who have come to see their MP. When the House is not in session they have duties relating to visitors to Parliament.

As well as maintaining the security of the Chamber, Galleries and Committees of the House of Commons, the Doorkeepers also have ceremonial duties. When the Commons is in session the Principal Doorkeeper and his Deputy occupy two chairs on either side of the main entrance. The Principal Doorkeeper sits in the right-hand seat, which contains the original division bell, though an electronic system is now is use. When house divides to vote members have eight minutes before the doorkeepers close and lock the doors to the chamber preventing anyone from entering. However at the end of each sitting the original bell is rung, and the two doorkeepers simultaneously shout "Who goes home?". The Principal Doorkeeper's seat also contains a box of snuff, which has been there for the use of members and officials ever since smoking was banned in the chamber in 1693.

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Wikipedia