In this auspicious year of King Charles III’s Coronation, we are displaying the Marquis and Marchioness’ Peer Robes.
Join us over the Bank Holiday Weekend for themed Arts & Crafts.
The use of robes as a sign of nobility was formalised in the 15th century. There are two distinct forms, those worn for parliamentary occasions and those worn at coronations. A peer’s rank is identified by subtle differences in the robes.
Male Peers wear a cloak of crimson velvet with a cape and collar of miniver (the pure white winter fur of the red squirrel or stoat) with the rank indicated by the rows of ermine ‘tails’ (black spots). A Marquess has 3½ rows, while a Duke has 4 rows, an Earl 3, a Viscount 2½, and a Baron 2 rows.
Peeresses wear a crimson velvet gown, edged in miniver. A miniver cape with the same rows or ermine indicating rank and a train. The length of the train also denotes the rank of the wearer. A Marchioness’s train is 1¾ yards (1.6 metres) long.
The coronets also denote the rank of the wearer through the design details. On display is a Baron’s coronet of sixteen pearls and a Marquess’s coronet of four strawberry leaves and four silver balls, raised on points above the rim from King Edward VII’s coronation in 1902.
The mannequin wears a Marquess’s coronet of four strawberry leaves and four silver balls, only slightly raised on points above the rim worn at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
Barbara, Lady Lansdowne, mother of the present Marquis, the mannequin has been dressed to represent Barbara. Dressed in her peeress’s robes for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, 1953.
Peeresses tended to wear tiaras rather than the coronet at Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation. Lady Lansdowne mannequin is seen holding her Marchioness’s coronet, which was probably first worn in 1902 by Maud, Lady Lansdowne for King Edward VII’s Coronation.
These can be viewed within the Exhibition Rooms within Bowood House, and shows the fascinating connection between the Lansdowne Family and the Royal Family.
Please note this exhibition is only accessible via stairs. Bowood House is open daily from 10:00am with last entry at 4:00pm, closing at 4:30pm.
Day Tickets can be purchased online.
Over the Coronation Weekend take part in our themed Arts & Crafts for Children and enjoy our delicious themed cakes in the Treehouse Café located next to admissions.
