Description and Functions
There were always several holders of the office, who were invariably gentlemen and almost invariably peers, often important ones, as the regular access to the monarch which the role brought was the most valuable commodity of the courtier.
The duties of the office involved waiting on the king when he ate in private, helping him to dress, guarding the bedchamber and water closet, and providing companionship.
From 1660 the office of first gentleman of the bedchamber was invariably combined with that of Groom of the Stole.
Read more about this topic: Gentleman Of The Bedchamber
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