Talk:Cabal ministry

Reference in fiction
Is it worth mentioning the fictional CABAL in Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle novels, since it is based on this one, but with renamed members? I ask those who might have more knowledge of the subject (or have finished the books).AlmostReadytoFly 09:43, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

"Only" as Lord Keeper?
There is a phrase here: "The role of Lord Chancellor was initially filled by Sir Orlando Bridgeman, the Royalist lawyer who had prosecuted the Regicides; but he only held office as Lord Keeper." is a little misleading, implying it is a lesser office. It is de facto the same office. It is a peculiarity of ancien regime European governments that the Lord Chancellor (the Chancellier in France) is a lifetime title. So if a Lord Chancellor retires, resigns or is dismissed, no one else can assume that title so long as he lives. As a result, his successor has to use the title "Lord Keeper of the Seal" (Garde des Sceaux in France). It is exactly the same job, same functions, remuneration, etc., but just the title that is different. When the old chancellor finally dies, the LKS takes up the "Lord Chancellor" title.

Until the exiled Clarendon's death in December 1674, his successors had to use the LKS title - Bridgeman throughout his term (1667-72), Shaftesbury through his term (1672-73) and Heneage Finch through the first year of his term (1674), after which he became the new Lord Chancellor.

Just a nitpick. Walrasiad (talk) 12:02, 22 September 2011 (UTC)