THE Speech House has been hailed as number four in an online list of the nation’s most eminent historic legal buildings.

The 17th Century traditional Forest courthouse is only nudged out of contention by London legal big guns - The Old Bailey, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Palace of Westminster.

The Law Absolute website pays tribute to its exclusive role as one of only two verderers’ courts in the country.

It said: “One historic location which you may not have heard of before but which is more than worthy of a place on our list is The Speech House in the Forest of Dean.

“Now an idyllic hotel and wedding venue, this quaint yet impressive location is a fascinating example of how UK justice worked in the royal forests in the days before a fully integrated, nationwide criminal justice system was introduced.

“Verderers is the name given to judicial officers of the royal forests who are still appointed today.

“The Speech House obtained its name from being the House at the centre of the Forest (the Parliament), where the court was held and afterwards the King’s Speeches and proclamations were announced to the inhabitants of the Forest.

Verderers were originally appointed by Canute the Dane under Forest Laws which were passed in 1016.

“Under Canute, the Verderers had the power to strip a man of his skin and nail it to the door of the Court House as a warning to all transgressors.

Peter and Gill Hands, the current owners of the Speech House are delighted that the building should have gained national recognition.

Mr Hands said: “We are delighted and amazed to have the Verderers Court mentioned with such national institutions. It lets the world know where and what the Forest of Dean is about.”