A peep into Westminster Hall on a call of serjeants, Robert Dighton, 1781

The interior of a panelled room. Two judges (right) sit side by side on a settee, in profile to the left, in their wigs and furred robes. On the left stand a number of barristers in wigs and gowns, one of whom (left) already wears the coif of the serjeant-at-law. Two barristers, one wearing the black patch of a serjeant, [the serjeants-at-law were a superior order of barrister (distinguished by wearing a white coif or cap with a black patch) from whom the judges were chosen. They were abolished in 1880. ] appear to be acting as masters of the ceremonies, both hold papers. On the ground before the judges are two flat mattress-cushions, on one kneels a serjeant-elect, the judge is putting the coif on his head. Behind the judge stands a barrister grinning and looking through a single eye-glass. 1 march 1781 etching. Date: 1781. Dimensions: Height: 236 mm; Width: 188 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Cranley Thomas Kirby. Collection: British Museum. A peep into Westminster Hall on a call of serjeants (BM J,7.34)