The Peers' Parliamentary Robes
Seated together in the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament, the robed peers form a brilliant sea of scarlet, gold and ermine. Many of these robes cut by Ede and Ravenscroft were made over a century ago. Lovingly maintained, refurbished and altered, they rarely need replacing. In fact, it’s a matter of great pride for a peer to wear the robes of their ancestors. The robes themselves are made from scarlet superfine faced cloth, a tightly woven wool fabric that’s durable enough to stand the test of time. They are finely trimmed with three-inch wide ermine bars, and two-inch wide gold oak leaf lace. The number of bars of ermine and gold reveal the wearer’s rank as follows:
Duke 4 rows of ermine and gold bars
Marquess 3 1/2 rows
Earl 3 rows
Viscount 2 1/2 rows
Baron 2 rows
About 250 peers entrust their robes to Ede and Ravenscroft’s safekeeping during the year. When the State Opening draws near, the Chancery Lane tailor springs into action with a calm efficiency that comes from over 300 years’ experience. After sending out letters to peers asking if they are to attend, the firm checks, labels and packs the robes, ready for delivery to the House of Lords. When the big day arrives, at least a dozen staff members go to the House of Lords to help the peers, pages and other officers of state get into their robes. There’s a tangible buzz in the air and sense of anticipation, especially as the robed peers enter the Chamber to await the arrival of the Queen.
