These photographs courtesy of Lindsay Mountain are from the morning of the study day with our two speakers Jane Straker talking on medieval clothing and Nathen Amin on his book ‘The Beauforts’

More photos to come from the rest of the day….


Photographs courtesy of Karen Agrali


Photographs courtesy of Nathen Amin


Photographs courtesy of Katrina Wood


Photograph and information courtesy of Jane Straker

The kirtle formed the basis of womenswear from the beginning of the 13th century until well into the Tudor period.
Wool was the most popular fabric, chosen for its insulating and waterproof qualities. There were different grades and qualities of wool for the wealthy and for the working people. A linen shift would have been worn under the kirtle because linen was easier to wash and less itchy close to the skin.
A gown or surcoat could be worn over the kirtle.
The bodice pieces are cut on a curve to get the close – fitting shape and gores are inserted into the back and front and both sides to give the required fullness.
The wool was dyed using natural materials. A red dye obtained from the madder root was the most expensive as it could only be harvested once a year.
This kirtle has been constructed using traditional medieval sewing methods, by hand using back stitch for the seams and herringbone stitch for the hems. It is laced with a spiral lacing technique.