These maces began life as two communion cups with lids bearing the royal insignia of King Charles I, and set aside for his personal use. After Charles' execution, Oliver Cromwell sent the two cups to James Phillips of the Priory, Cardigan, who had been a Colonel in the Parliamentary army during the Civil War. Phillips had ebony handles attached to turn the cups into maces, and they are still carried on ceremonial occasions in Cardigan. The photo was taken by Cardigan photographer Tom Desmond in 1904 for use in Emily Pritchard's book 'Cardigan Priory in the Olden Days'.