woolsack

It is smaller and has a more upmarket feel than The Woolsack, but has also seen its share of bad behaviour over the years.

But the most popular venue on the estate, The Woolsack, is more like a traditional British pub that you would find in any market square or High Street.

The Lord Speaker chairs daily business in the chamber from his seat on the woolsack and, like the House of Commons Speaker, is expected to be politically impartial.

The Tetbury Woolsack Races have been held since 1972, drawing on a local tradition dating back to the 17th century in the historic wool-trading town.

A Royal Commission, made up of five peers appointed by the King, take their places on the woolsack dressed in red ermine robes and black and two-pointed, bicorner hats.