A group of peers wearing their parliamentary robes, on which their rank is indicated by the number of ermine bars

Seated together in the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament, the robed peers form a sea of scarlet, gold and ermine. Ede and Ravenscroft cut many original robes worn throughout generations of peers. 

Meticulously maintained, refurbished and altered, ceremonial robes rarely need replacing.  The robes are made from scarlet superfine faced cloth; a durable tightly woven wool fabric. 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:

Duke

4 rows of ermine and gold bars

Marquess

3½ rows

Earl

3 rows

Viscount

2½ rows

Baron

2 rows

About 175 peers entrust their robes to Ede and Ravenscroft’s safekeeping during the year. When the State Opening draws near, the Chancery Lane tailor sends 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. On the day itself at least a dozen staff members go to the House of Lords to help dress peers, pages and other officers of state.