The Chancellery Guard was the organisation responsible for security and law enforcement on Gallifrey. They reported to the Castellan and were normally equipped with staser pistols. (TV: The Deadly Assassin)
Function
The Chancellery Guards were the police service of Gallifrey, the only beings allowed to carry arms inside of the Citadel.
Criminal investigations, interrogations, dignitary protection, court bailiffs and patrolling were among the many duties of this force.
The First Doctor and his granddaughter Susan Foreman were being pursued by the Chancellery Guard at the time of their departure from Gallifrey. (AUDIO: The Beginning)
Rank structure
The Chancellery Guards had a rank structure similar to other police or military forces around the universe.
Castellan
In overall charge of the Chancellery Guard was the Castellan. The Castellan acted as police chief and held a seat on the High Council of Gallifrey. The Castellan advised the Council and the President on matters of security and Rassilon law.
The Castellan (TV: Arc of Infinity) advised and oversaw the execution of the Fifth Doctor when his body was possessed by Omega. The Castellan often sat on the High Council due to his important position.
The Fourth Doctor once referred to the Castellan as a "jumped up guard." Castellans have been depicted as both capable (Castellan Spandrell) and corrupt (Castellan Kelner). (REF: The Gallifrey Chronicles)
Commanders
Reporting directly to the Castellan were the Chancellery Guard Commanders. These high-ranking guards were in charge of an unknown number of Chancellery Guards, perhaps acting as watch commanders or shift supervisors. The commanders rank was denoted by ornate breast plates, gold coloured or adorned helmets and uniform braiding.
Gaining rank within the Chancellery Guard was never explored, but ability may have not been a factor. Commander Hilred showed very little competence in his duties. (TV: The Deadly Assassin, REF: The Gallifrey Chronicles)
Lesser members
Directly below the Commanders were the Captains. (AUDIO: Gallifrey (audio series)) There were also Lieutenants. (PROSE: Blood Harvest)
The Chancellery Guard may have been organised into squads, perhaps under the direction of a sergeant. Commander Andred, impressed by K9's ability, noted that if K9 was a member of the Chancellery Guard, he would make him a sergeant. (TV: The Invasion of Time)
Rank-and-file guards wore red uniforms and helmets, with a white cape. The uniform was accented in white striping. The guards communicated through wristbands and carried the staser as their sidearm. The boots and elbow pads that the Chancellery Guard wore changed from a copper colour to silver at different points in the Time Lords' regime. (REF: The Gallifrey Chronicles)
Known members
- Andred (TV: The Invasion of Time)
- Annos (Gallifrey)
- Hilred (TV: The Deadly Assassin)
- Jomdek (PROSE: Lungbarrow)
- Kelner (TV: The Invasion of Time)
- Maxil (TV: Arc of Infinity)
- Peltroc (PROSE: The Infinity Doctors)
- Raimor (PROSE: The Infinity Doctors)
- Raldeth (AUDIO: The Sirens of Time)
- Redred (PROSE: Lungbarrow)
- Solis (TV: The Deadly Assassin)
- Spandrell (TV: The Deadly Assassin)
- Varn (PROSE: Doctor Who and the Invasion of Time)
- Wynter (AUDIO: Lies)
- Zorell (PROSE: Blood Harvest)
Behind the scenes
In the TV series there is only ever one Castellan seen at a time, but in the Gallifrey audio series each Chapter House appears to have at least one Castellan. The ones in the audio series are referred to as "chapter Castellans" whilst in Arc of Infinity, the Castellan is referred to as "the duty Castellan".
