Tudor Clothing

Back in 2007 the Museum developed a Historic Clothing Project, led by the then Head of Interpretation, Hannah Miller, with supervision from historian Ruth Goodman and historical costumier Barbara Painter.
The Historic Clothing Project was a unique and innovative investigation into the construction and production of lower status clothing across a broad chronological period. A Museum needlework group was formed to work on making replica historic clothing (created in as authentic a way as possible), which could then be worn on site as part of the interpretation of our domestic buildings. The group also served as a tool to discover more about how textiles and clothing were used and worn in the past.

Although the project ended in 2014, the skills that the volunteers learnt have been retained in an ongoing programme of clothing repair and maintenance. Rural Life Interpreter, Aaron Baker, with the help of some of our wonderful volunteers, is now taking responsibility for the Museum’s historic clothing and wearing them whilst demonstrating around the Museum site. On certain days, the historic clothing can also be seen on display in Winkhurst Hall.
As part of our new programme of Members Talks, Aaron, with support from two volunteers, recently led a showcase of some of the replica historic clothing. Explaining the history behind the practicalities, laws and restrictions of clothing in the Tudor times.
Tudor clothing served both practical and societal purposes. For example, as a woman’s hair was seen as her crowning glory (and reserved for her husband) Tudor women would cover their hair in public. Headwear was also very practical and not only helped keep hair out of the face whilst working, but also acted as protection against dirt and nits.
Clothing worn by the different levels of society would range from practical to fashionable. With colours and fabrics used to highlight the wearers social status. Simple linens and basic coloured wool would be common for the working class, whereas a wider range of colours and fabrics would be worn by higher classes to display their wealth.
It was common for the working staff of a household to have clothing bought for them, this sometimes included hand me downs from their employees. The Tudor’s were very good at being thrifty and repairing their clothing to last as it was very expensive, and people tended to not own a lot of options. Over a lifetime, people would tend to accrue a larger collection of underwear, but with the changes in fashion they would adapt or hand down outer clothing. The more expensive outer garments could often be left to other family members in wills, and may have been the only way some would afford to have such garments.
On the 6 and 7 April, join us at the Museum for our Get Thrifty Weekend. As well as exploring the art of thrift, we will be welcoming Tudor groups, including historian Ruth Goodman, who will be talking about the practicalities of making do and mending in the Tudor times.
Find out more about this event here.