The sentence of this court:
An unusual lot will go under the hammer at Sotheby's later this month, with the auction house selling the contents of The Chanter's House in Ottery St Mary, Devon. The Chanter's House has been the home of the Coleridge family for centuries, during which time a Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, two High Court judges, and the first executive secretary of NATO have all successively lived there. Among the items for sale are a set of red robes, a wool frock coat, a legal wig, breeches, a plain black legal robe, and an assortment of sashes - all of which belonged to John Duke Coleridge, who was made Lord Chief Justice in 1880. Two black caps worn by judges in the 19th century when pronouncing the death penalty will also be for sale. In addition, there will be pictures and other items relating to Gordon-Cumming v Wilson & others, an 1881 case which John Duke Coleridge presided over. This related to the infamous royal baccarat scandal, where Sir William Gordon-Cumming sued over allegations that he had cheated at baccarat, a gambling game that was illegal at the time. Sir William sued his accusers, and the trial saw the Prince of Wales called to the witness stand. Unfortunately for Sir William, the jury took just ten minutes to find for the defendants. If you are interested in bagging your own black cap (perhaps for showing the door to under-performing partners) or indeed any other lots, the auction takes place on 24 October. For more information, visit: www.sothebys.com.