IRRV Alert - week ending 4th August 2023
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Book a guided tour of Speaker’s House this summer (1 August 2023)
Book a guided tour of Speaker’s House this summer
1 August 2023
AUG
1
2023
Tickets are on sale for guided tours of the State Apartments in Speaker’s House, running from 22 July to 02 September.
As part of his mission to make the office of the Speaker more accessible, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, will once again open Speaker’s House during the House of Commons’ Summer recess.
Visitors will be able to tour the State Apartments and see where the business of the Speaker is conducted daily. Highlights of the tour include ascending the Grand Staircase, seeing the magnificent wall hangings of the Crimson Drawing Room, and the State Dining Room with its set of life-size Speakers’ portraits. You’ll also see the State Bedroom, where historically the monarch was invited to sleep the night before their coronation.
Two special displays, this summer only
In the Crimson Drawing room will be a display of the ceremonial outfits worn by members of the Speaker’s Procession for the King’s Coronation on 6th May 2023. These include Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s gold state robe and lace jabot and cuffs, and the ceremonial dress worn by the Serjeant-at-Arms, Speaker’s Secretary, Speaker’s Trainbearer and his Chaplain. Each outfit represents the roles of the Speaker and his Office.
Image: Display of ceremonial outfits ©UK Parliament
Before or after a tour, visitors will also have the rare opportunity to see the Speaker’s State Coach, which is on display in Westminster Hall. Traditionally, the Speaker of the House of Commons would have travelled to the Coronation in the Speaker’s State Coach. This year Sir Lindsay Hoyle walked in procession from Speaker’s House to attend the historic event in Westminster Abbey.
Book tickets for the tour
Tickets for the 75 minute fully accessible tour cost £20 for adults and £12 for 16–24-year-olds. All profits will go to the Speaker’s Art Fund charity. The charity supports arts and educational projects with a focus on increasing understanding of Parliamentary democracy across the UK.