Legal wigs are a long-standing tradition of the British judicial system. Ede and Ravenscroft, the oldest tailors in London, was founded in 1689. The company has produced ceremonial robes and handmade wigs for judges and barristers for more than three centuries. These wigs represent continuity, professionalism, and respect for tradition.
Today, lawyers still dress much as they did hundreds of years ago. Their clothing follows strict rules depending on their rank and role in court. There are three main types of wigs: the barrister’s wig, the judge’s wig, and the ceremonial full-bottom wig, which is worn only on special occasions. Each wig is custom-made and can take several weeks or even months to complete.
The wigs are made from horsehair that is carefully cleaned, treated, and sorted by color. Young barristers often choose slightly darker wigs to avoid looking inexperienced. Wearing a wig has several purposes: it reinforces the seriousness of court proceedings, preserves tradition, and provides anonymity. According to barrister Andrew Eborn, the wig acts like a uniform that creates equality and helps lawyers feel mentally prepared for legal “battle.” For many, wearing the wig for the first time is a powerful rite of passage.
Vocabulary:
• tradition (noun): a custom or belief passed down through generations, like wearing wigs in court
• ceremonial (adj): related to official or formal events, such as special court occasions
• judiciary (noun): the system of courts and judges
• barrister (noun): a type of lawyer who speaks in court in the UK
• anonymity (noun): the state of not being recognized as an individual
• solemnity (noun): seriousness and respect in important situations
• qualified (adj/verb): having the required training to do a job
• custom-made (adj): made specially for one person
• rank (noun): level or position in an organization
• rite (noun): a formal or traditional ceremony
Source: Great Big Story