Black Tudor bonnet with claret cord and tassel from Ede and Ravenscroft, UK

Ede & Ravenscroft

Ede & Ravenscroft London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Ede & Ravenscroft, located in the heart of London’s legal district, is the United Kingdom’s oldest tailor and ceremonial robe maker, with a legacy stretching back to 1689. This iconic institution has played a pivotal role in British history, providing robes and legal wigs for royalty, judges, academics, and government officials for over three centuries. Famed for its craftsmanship and royal commissions—beginning with the coronation robes for King William III and Queen Mary II—Ede & Ravenscroft remains at the forefront of British ceremonial tradition (Ede & Ravenscroft Official; Exploring London).

This guide offers a comprehensive overview for visitors, including up-to-date opening hours, ticketing and booking procedures, accessibility information, guided tour options, and tips for exploring surrounding historical attractions. Whether you are interested in bespoke tailoring, academic gown hire, or the history of British ceremonial dress, this resource will help you plan a meaningful visit to Ede & Ravenscroft’s flagship store on Chancery Lane. Occasional participation in heritage festivals and London Open House events also provides rare opportunities for deeper engagement with this storied institution (Opening Hours UK).

History and Cultural Significance
Origins and Early History
The Ravenscroft Merger and Brand Evolution
Royal Warrants and National Recognition
Role in British Legal and Academic Traditions
Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Legacy
Visiting Ede & Ravenscroft: Practical Information
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours
Tickets and Entry
Guided Tours and Special Events
Nearby Attractions
Visual and Interactive Experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Final Tips
References

PhD graduand shaking hands with Sir Dominic Cadbury at University of Birmingham Great Hall

Ph.D. graduand shaking hands with Sir Dominic Cadbury, Chancellor of University of Birmingham, in the Great Hall of Aston Webb Building

Sir Dominic Cadbury attending a convocation ceremony at the University of Birmingham

History and Cultural Significance

Origins and Early History

Founded by William and Martha Shudall in 1689, Ede & Ravenscroft began as a modest tailor shop in Aldwych, London. The firm quickly gained recognition for its superior tailoring, receiving a royal commission to craft coronation robes for King William III and Queen Mary II. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the company expanded its expertise beyond royal commissions, designing ceremonial attire for clergy, legal professionals, academics, and government officials (Exploring London; Ede & Ravenscroft Official; Discover Britain).

The Ravenscroft Merger and Brand Evolution

A defining moment came in 1871 when Joseph Webb Ede, royal robemaker to Queen Victoria, married Rosanna Ravenscroft from a prominent wig-making family. This union merged two specialist crafts—robe making and wig making—culminating in the company’s renaming as Ede & Ravenscroft in 1902 (Grace’s Guide). The headquarters at 93 Chancery Lane places the company at the center of London’s legal world, offering a full range of ceremonial attire.

Royal Warrants and National Recognition

Ede & Ravenscroft holds multiple royal warrants, having served at least ten successive monarchs and provided robes for twelve coronations, most recently for King Charles III and Queen Camilla (Exploring London; Ede & Ravenscroft Official). This enduring relationship with the monarchy is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.

Role in British Legal and Academic Traditions

The company is synonymous with British legal dress, supplying traditional wigs and gowns that are an enduring feature of English and Welsh courtrooms (Discover Britain). These garments symbolize the continuity and impartiality of the legal system (Wikipedia). Ede & Ravenscroft also outfits graduates from prestigious universities—including Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics—making its academic gowns a mark of achievement (LSE Academic Dress).

Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Legacy

Ede & Ravenscroft’s artisans continue to handcraft garments using traditional British fabrics and techniques. While the company remains rooted in heritage, it also embraces innovation, offering bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear menswear, and accessories (Ede & Ravenscroft Official).

Visiting Ede & Ravenscroft: Practical Information

Location and Accessibility

Flagship Store: 93 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DU
Other Locations: Burlington Gardens (Mayfair), Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh
Nearest Underground: Holborn, Chancery Lane (Wikipedia)

The Chancery Lane store is wheelchair accessible. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact the store in advance for assistance.

Visiting Hours

Chancery Lane Store:
- Monday–Friday: 8:45 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Closed Sundays and bank holidays
  (Check the official website or Opening Hours UK for seasonal updates.)

Tickets and Entry

Admission: Free for browsing and exploring historic displays.
Appointments: Required for academic gown hire, legal robe fittings, and professional photography, especially during graduation seasons. Book via the official website.

Guided Tours and Special Events

The store does not offer regular public tours, but occasionally joins London Open House events and heritage festivals. For private group tours or educational visits, contact the store in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring:

Royal Courts of Justice
Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Covent Garden
The British Museum

Visual and Interactive Experience

Preview the craftsmanship and heritage of Ede & Ravenscroft through the official website’s gallery, which features images of the flagship store, ceremonial robes, and the photography studio. Virtual tours and interactive maps are also available to help visitors plan their route.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday 8:45 am–6:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am–3:00 pm; closed Sundays and bank holidays.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, entry for browsing is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly, but special tours may be arranged by appointment.

Q: Do I need to book an appointment?
A: Yes, for gown hire, robe fittings, and photography—especially during peak times.

Q: Is the store accessible for those with disabilities?
A: Yes, but contact the store ahead for specific arrangements.

Q: Can I purchase ceremonial attire as a visitor?
A: Yes, both bespoke and ready-to-wear options are available.

Summary and Final Tips

Ede & Ravenscroft is a living monument to British ceremonial heritage—its history, craftsmanship, and role in legal and academic life make it a unique destination for visitors. The flagship store at Chancery Lane is easily accessible, open during convenient hours, and offers free entry for browsing. Specialized services such as academic gown hire and professional photography are available by appointment. The proximity to key London landmarks further enhances your visit (Ede & Ravenscroft Official; Exploring London).

Tips for a Successful Visit:

Book appointments early during graduation or legal terms.
Arrive early to avoid queues, especially for photography.
Bring booking confirmations and dress appropriately for gown fittings.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a richer experience.

To stay updated on services, events, and visitor information, consult the official website and consider downloading the Audiala app for real-time updates and enhanced guidance.