High Court Judges
All High Court judges today wear the same ceremonial dress: black court breeches, black stockings and black patent leather court shoes with cut steel buckles. The scarlet cloth robe, hood and mantle, all trimmed with white fur, are worn over the top. The dress is finished off with a full-bottomed wig.
It’s a costume that’s both impressive and immediately recognisable. In fact, it has scarcely changed since the Judge’s Rules of 1635.
It is worn only on specific occasions, perhaps most notably on the first day of Michaelmas term, the start of the legal year. This day has its own traditions, with all of the senior judges attending a special service at Westminster Abbey, followed by the Lord Chancellor’s breakfast. Once a sumptuous and extravagant feast to celebrate the start of term, this tradition continues today (although in a more understated form) as a reception for those who attended the service.
A number of High Court judges also attend the State Opening of Parliament and they can be seen seated on the woolsack on the House of Lords. They also don their ceremonial robes for Red Letter days, such as the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, Accession Day, Coronation Day, Lord Mayor’s Day and a number of Saints’ days.
