The Speech House is 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 2010[update]) it continues to do.[1]
To the southeast of Speech House is a small lake, named Speech House Lake.