The Speech House

The Speech House formerly called Kings Lodge was a hunting lodge for King Charles II built in 1669. It became the first of six keeper's cottages provided the six "walks" of the royal demesne, in the Forest of Dean. They were ordered by Charles II under the recommendation of Samuel Pepys to protect the King's Forest. It was converted and constructed on the site of the old forest courthouse at Kensley in 1676. It was said to have been of very poor construction and was necessarily altered and improved. Lintels over two of the external doors have dates of 1676 and 1680. The building was severely damaged by rioters during the 1688 "Glorious Revolution". King James II, a Catholic, dissolved Parliament and announced his new born son (also James) would be brought up a Catholic. Up until then King James' daughter Mary, was the rightful heir to the throne and she was a Protestant.

So, 154 years after Henry VIII seperated from the Cathothic Church King James II sort to create a new Catholic dynasty. This coincided with the prosecution of seven Bishops They were found not guilty and this anti-Catholic rioters throughout England and Scotland. Hence the rioting at the old forest courthouse (Speech House). At the invitation of seven of the King's peers, William of Orange invaded England in 1688 and King James II was deposed.

Around 1840 the now "Speech House" ceased to be a keeper's lodge and it was leased out an inn by the Crown. It was enlarged to its present size in 1882 and, within a decade, became a hotel. However the attachment court (the Verderer's Court) continued, deliberating on matters for the protection of the vert and venison. They had considerable powers, but eventually in 1914 some of their powers were passed down to the local Magistrates Court. The appointment to Verderer is for life and the Court still meets about four time a year at Speech House.