These heritages of a glorious feudal past are tenaciously cherished with
all their privileges, but needless to say, are worn only upon high
ceremonial occasions.
There have been some few changes thruout the ages which this condenst
book for busy Americans cannot spare space to describe. At the
coronation of King Edward an edict informed those immediately concerned
that “the robe or mantle of the Peers be of crimson velvet edged with
miniver, the cape furred with miniver pure, and powdered with bars or
rows of ermine according to their degrees, viz.:
Barons—Two rows.
Viscounts—Two rows and a half.
Earls—Three rows.
Marquesses—Three rows and a half.
Dukes—Four rows.”
The said mantles or robes to be worn over the full Court dress, uniforms
or regimentals.
“Their coronets to be of silver-gilt, the caps of crimson velvet turned
up with ermine, with a gold tassel on the top and no jewels or precious
stones are to be set or used in the coronets or counterfeit pearls
instead of silver balls.
“The coronet of a Baron to have on the circle or rim six silver bells at
equal distances.
“The coronet of a Viscount to have on the circle sixteen silver balls.
“The coronet of an Earl to have on the circle four gold strawberry
leaves and four silver leaves alternately, the latter a little raised or
pointed above the rim.
“The coronet of a Duke to have on the circle eight gold strawberry
leaves.”