Fancy dress and a President's throne

It is into this little room that superintendent Colin Sharpe leads me on the next leg of my tour of one of Londonderry's most iconic buildings - the Guildhall.

If I'm honest then my first reaction is one tinged with a touch of jealousy - I'd love a wardrobe with that much space!

"In Belfast they still robe for their Council meetings, and in the past they robed here too, so this is why this is called the robing room," he says pulling back one of the large wooden doors to reveal a row of neatly hanging robes in a variety of forms.

I immediately spot the fur-trimmed ornate Mayor's robe that is a feature of the majority of official portraits in the Parlour and Council Chamber.

Fascinated and repelled at the same time, I ask: "What fur is that?"

Colin: "That's fox fur. We have two robes now for the Mayor. This one is fox fur and this robe dates right back. This robe is probably over 100 years old."

"It's a bit tired looking of itself now, but it is still very ornate," I say, not quite up to touching it, adding: "Did people object to wearing it because of the fur?"

"Yes. One of our former mayors, Pat Ramsey, took an exception to wearing this robe. Now, the robes aren't worn that much any more because there aren't that many civic and ceremonial duties that requite the robes, but for the official photographs the Mayor does robe up. Some don't want to wear them now, so it is up to the individual."

Bringing out another covered robe, Colin unzips the protective covering to reveal the black velvet-trimmed alternative to the fox fur, saying it gave councillors the option of what to wear, particularly if they were opposed to bloodsports.

I ask Colin if anyone has ever refused to wear the robes because they were pulling on the garb of London.

"That could be in some cases," he says.

I add that I was unsure whether people had refused to wear the robes because of the 'London connection' or whether it was because of pro-animal sentiments.

"It is up to the Mayor of the day as to whether they wear the robe at all," he says.

The maroon or 'Derry Crimson' robes belong to the Aldermen of the City, while the more purple-looking shade belong to the Councillors.

"Forgive my pig-ignorance, but what's the difference between an Alderman and a councillor," I ask.

Tradition

"I knew that was going to be the next question. Originally, years and years ago, an Alderman would have been elected for six years and a councillor four years and they have carried the robing tradition on albeit that they are all now elected for four years," says Colin.

Producing the Town Clerk's robe, I can't resist a squeal of delight and as I run my hand over the rich material with detail to die for, but for me the two gems Colin produces next are my favourites. They are the ceremonial 'robes' for Colin's own ceremonial duties. They are actually a brass-buttoned coat - a wonderful black felt affair with braiding. The superintendent's official hat is an impressive black cockade with gold braid. He declines to give me a twirl, however.

Taking up the long wall in the room is beautiful dresser/table, and at the far end is a rest room - or loo to us common folk.

OK, I'm sorry, but I can't resist - I'm going to take the 'plunge' here and indulge in a little toilet humour...so, are you sitting comfortably?

Whether you are or are not, it seems we will never know for sure whether former USA President Bill Clinton did or didn't...but it was there for his comfort just in case. I am, of course, talking about the refurbished bathroom which is now used for the relief of Derry's Aldermen and Councillors.

In 1995 Bill Clinton visited the City as US President, and gave an address in Guildhall Square. He used the robing room as his personal rest room, but...we mere mortals will never know. So I'll finish this week be leaving you to make up your own mind...'bog standard' toilet...or throne fit for a President..?

l Photos: Keith Moore, Londonderry Sentinel