Robes worn for state and civic occasions in Victorian Britain might not only have a long history but might, in fact, be centuries old themselves. State robes were part of long and enduring traditions of pomp and circumstance, kept carefully for the rare occasions when they needed to be used in official ceremonies. This section also looks at royal fashions, which tended to be a bit more trendy!

Royal Fashions Report from England (Godey's, 1860)

What Becomes of the Dresses of Queens? (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Fascinating little article on how the cast-off gowns of the French court are sold each year for charity.

The Civic Robes of London (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1878)

The Queen's State Robes/The Peers in State, by Ardern Holt (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

Dress robes for state occasions.

Robes of State, Worn by High Officers of State and Officers of the Royal Household (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1890)

Hats and Bonnets Worn by the Princess of Wales, by Ardern Holt (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1895)

The Inky Cloak: Legislators and Their Garments (Cassell's, 1900)

Coronation Robes of Our English Queens, by the Rev. T.F. Thiselton-Dyer (Girl's Own Paper, 1902)