The ceremonial maces are held in the Guildhall as a reminder of the original role of the council's officials.
In 1710, the Great Mace was presented to the council by Samuel Shepherd, Jnr, of Exning, who was one of the Members of Parliament for the Borough.
In 1724, four smaller maces were presented to the Corporation by Thomas Bacon - again, one of the Members of Parliament for the borough.
This Chain of Office was presented to the mayor of Cambridge in 1890, by Thomas Richard Harding, who was high sheriff of the counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon.
In 1905, the chain was enlarged, and a pendant was added.
The pendant was the gift of Colonel Walter Harding, who, at that time, was the owner of Madingley Hall.
The City Chest, made in 1531 to hold the 'charters and other juells belonging to the Town of Cambrigge', stands in the foyer outside the council chamber.
For more about the Guildhall's history, visit Dr Chris Hadley's website.