History of the Mayoral Chains

 

The Mayoral Chain was presented by Mr and Mrs Henry John Hope on the incorporation of the Town and in memory of Mrs Hope’s father, Mr William Burr, the first Clerk to the Local Board.  The chain itself is arranged by successive links of the nowed serpent of the Cavendish family which is the crest of the Duke of Devonshire.  The large and massive serpent links boldly rendered in repousse are progressing towards the centre and have a suggestive resemblance to the intervening links of the famous chain of the Bath.   The leading feature of the chain is the elaborate link which is a memorial of the old Local Board of Health under whose sway the town progressed for so many years and with which the late Mr William Burr was closely identified. 

 

 

The whole length of the chain, including centre link, is 45 inches.  Immediately below the centre link is a small badge or pendant relating to the first mayor, Mr Benjamin Septimus Brigg, the centre being occupied by his crest, a brig in full sail, with the motto, “Auspice Deo” both being richly enamelled.  The border of this smaller cinque-foil has the Mayor’s name with the words “First Mayor” in early English capitals.   From this depends the actual badge, rich in design, workmanship and enamel.  The form is quatrefoil with finals of the fleur-de-lis, tastefully carved in solid gold.  The centre holds a shield emblazoned in proper colours with the borough arms, and surmounted by a crest, a dragon’s head with a snake coiled round it not in antagonism but unitedly defying all comers, this representing the union by marriage of the Keighley and Cavendish families.

 

The chain and badge were designed and manufactured by Messrs T & J Bragg, Goldsmiths of Birmingham and London.  The chain is duly assayed and hall-marked in gold of 18 carat quality.