1G22.J SI7i ED M VXD VERXEY. 



24 1 



new king confirmed to Sir Edmund a pension of ^^"200 per 

 annum, which he had formerly, whilst Prince of Wales, given 

 him during pleasure. This was followed by another and more 

 important preferment. The ancient office of Marshal of the 

 King's Palace, the holder being commonly called " the Knight 

 Marshal," which had been held in succession during the reign 

 of James I. by Sir Thomas Gerrard, Sir Thomas Vavasour, 

 and Sir Edward Zouch, was surrendered by the last of those 

 gentlemen to the king on February 14, 1626, and on the i6th 

 of the same month his Majesty granted it to Sir Edmund 

 Verney for life. The principal duties of the office — to preserve 

 order and prevent the access of improper persons to the court 

 — rendered it necessary for the holder to be a close attendant 

 upon the court ; but he was empowered to appoint a deputy, 

 as well as from four to six officers or vergers. The profits of 

 his court, which could take cognizance of all causes arising 

 in the king's household, or within the verge, that is, within 

 twelve miles compass of the court, probably yielded ample 

 compensation to the holder for his ordinary services. This 

 appointment was followed, on March 26, 1626, by a further 

 pension of ;^2O0 a year for life. In May, 1630, Spencer, Earl 

 of Northampton, commissioned Sir Edmund Verney " for the 

 space of six whole and entire years, to take and seize for his 

 ]\Iayest}-s vse, and in his jNIajestys name, within all places in 

 the county of Buckingham, such and so many greyhounds, 

 both dogs and bitches, in whose custody soever they be, as he 

 shall think meet and convenient for his majestys disport and 

 recreation." Sir Edmund accompanied Charles I. in the 

 expedition to Scotland, and on the outbreak of the civil war 

 he was appointed marshal and standard-bearer to the king. 

 As it was Sir Edmund's duty to carry the royal standard in 

 time of war, he took a prominent part in several engagements, 

 and at the battle of Edgehill he charged with it amongst the 

 thickest of the enemy, to encourage the soldiers to follow him, 

 and, being surrounded, was offered his life if he would surrender 

 the standard, but, rejecting the offer, he fell with great honour. 

 He had six daughters and six sons, of whom Henry was one 

 of the most enthusiastic turfites of his day. 



VOL. I. R 



