Fabrics and Fibres

       We aim to use accurate materials and methods to create our clothing, such as the using the main fibres of the time - wool and linen - which would have been hand-woven on manual looms.  However, availability of historically accurate fabrics and the skilled people (or time) to produce them is limited, and so we mostly use commercially woven and dyed wool and linen, as close as possible to colours available from natural dyes in England during the late 15th century.

      Most of our fabrics have 70% or more pure fibres, as this is high enough to look and feel right, but is within most people’s budgets.  However, if you can find it and afford it then feel free to purchase 100% wool or linen as it is historically accurate and is more rewarding to work with.

(Forks were not generally available in our period)

Wooden Bowl or Trencher:- for eating off.

Drinking vessel:- for the all important cold drinks on hot days.

A blanket of wool with no labels or modern stitching visible:- not strictly necessary but handy for

both sitting on and to use as an impromptu cloak!

Forage/pilgrims bag:- around about the size of a satchal or record bag, used by travellers, pilgrims and soldiers. A bag is great for carrying small kit items, lunch or modern essentials so why not do so in an authentic way.

Also to show “who you belong to” we suggest that you have either a Livery Coat, Doublet, Huke or Tabard in the household livery, and if you are planning to take part in the combat displays then you will DEFINITELY need one of these. As a bonus if you have a coat in house colours it’s easier to spot others from a distance as well as be spotted! Which can be handy in the evenings at the pub or in the beer tent.

Women's section

Head cloth

During the 15th century it was a requirement that hair be covered for the sake of modesty. Only someone of marriageable age or of loose morals would wear their hair UN-covered! A simple head wrap or “turban” style is easy to make and wear and requires a single piece of cloth. Coifs were also very popular although differ in style from the male version with the “Flemish” style being most popular, Hats can also be worn and vary in design and quality.

Off-white linen or calico. (Again so you did not share your lice!!)

Footwear section

Pattens:- A bit like wooden soled sandles that go on over your medieval shoes, are highly recommended to substantially prolong sole life and increase wearing comfort of your (expensive) medieval shoes.

        As a new member bitten by the re-enacting bug, you will want to become fully ‘kitted’ out in appropriate clothing, after your first few events. So for our new members, here’s a list of general kit along with a short description that you should all aim to acquire as well as a few items of clothing that you will need.  This may change slightly, depending on whether you’re a “lord” or “lady”.

Status

        As we aim to portray the common English person seen in a military encampment during the

Wars of the Roses, our clothing is researched using period pictures as well as descriptions from surviving literature from the period. We strive to show the most 'typical' style in common use by ordinary people of the time, rather than the more extravagant fashions of the royal court.

        Within the household, there is a range in personal choice of status, and thus clothing styles, although most of us tend to opt for the lower end of the social scale where the clothing is simpler to make and look after. It is recommended that if you're new to re-enacting that you aim to fit into the more “common” type of people before attempting to portray more wealthier people.