Speech House

Coordinates: 51°48′24″N 2°33′09″W / 51.80655°N 2.55243°W / 51.80655; -2.55243

Speech House, Forest of Dean, February 2008

The Speech House was the administrative building of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England, lying at the centre of the forest on the road from Coleford to Cinderford.[1]

The Speech House was authorised by the Act of 1668 as part of a reorganisation of the open land in the area, and its construction was finished in 1682.[2] It hosted the "Court of the Speech", a sort of parliament for the Verderers and Free Miners managing the forest, game, and mineral resources of the area.[3] It was severely damaged in the Revolution of 1688, but repaired soon thereafter.[4] Around 1840 it began to be used as an inn, and by the late 19th century it was functioning as an hotel, which (as of 2013) it continues to do.[1]

To the southeast of Speech House is a small lake, Speech House Lake.

Notes

  1. 1 2 Brooks & Verey
  2. Nicholls, p. 46
  3. Nicholls, p. 48
  4. Nicholls, pp. 54–55, 60

References

External links

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