Today, we suggest a medieval or Tudor theme. Earlier this week we spoke about the Diamond Jubilee next year for Elizabeth II. Today we thought we would hark back to another Elizabethan era, that of the Tudor Queen, Elizabeth I. The reason we mention it today, aside from all the recent school events where Kings, Queens, Princes & Princesses have featured is that during Elizabeth I’s reign, today would have marked the summer solstice. The Elizabethans were great ones for festivals and celebrations, many of which would have been dictated by the church. Unlike nowadays when the summer solstice is a bit of a movable feast, as noted earlier this week, in the sixteenth century Midsummer’s Eve was always on this date and would often be celebrated by Mummers troupes who would depict various legends, such as St George and the Dragon. So if you are aiming to dress up today, what would you prefer Medieval or Tudor? Take your pick.
Our fancy dress theme today is Tudor or Medieval. It really should be Stuart England as on this date in 1669, the noted diarist Samuel Pepys actually ceased writing this most valuable record of life in seventeenth century times, citing his failing eyesight as the reason. Aside from the major events witnessed – he watched the Fire of London and took the precaution of burying a valuable cheese in his back garden– we gain valuable insights into the trivia of his everyday life, and, in some cases the traditions of the day. For instance, in his diary entry for Valentines Day 1667, Pepys records how one Will Mercer had drawn his wife’s name to be his valentine whilst he, aside from also being his wife’s valentine, has been picked by the daughter of a Mrs Pierce to be her valentine. (This picking of pairing of valentines dates back to Roman times). The costumes for Stuart England, are not so prolific as perhaps the Tudors or Medieval periods, but from time to time we do get requests, particularly with regard to the school curriculum, for these types of outfits.
As Stuart costumes are probably more suited to a costumer (this is someone who re-produced historically accurate costume), in the world of fancy dress often the eras of Medieval, Tudor & Stuart all begin to merge as one.
This type of costume theme is common for weddings, especially if they are being held in an historic building such as a castle and can add to the atmosphere of the day. Large banners and huge candles will also add to the overall effect. We’ve had customers hire in knights for a jousting competition and jesters to keep the guests amused. It all comes down to your budget in the end and how far you actually want to go.
If you are okay with your guests arriving in a mixture of medieval, Tudor & Stuart costumes, then that is fine, if however, you require the costume code to be strict, you may want to read some costume advice on each historical period – just scroll down until you find the era you are interested in.
We propose to have a ‘Medieval Fancy Dress theme’ today as on December 29th 1170, four knights entered Canterbury Cathedral and assassinated the Archbishop Thomas Beckett whilst he was going to prayer. This followed their over-hearing King Henry II ranting about how Thomas had been interfering with his plans and asking, rhetorically as it turned out, who would rid him ‘of this turbulent priest’ (or words to that effect). The knights thought they were the men for the job but, having done the deed, found that the King had apparently spoken in haste, so they were forced to flee up North. The King, meanwhile, did many penances and made a pilgrimage to Thomas’ tomb. Thomas, himself, was canonised and made a saint in 1173. After that story from the early annals of English History, we thought we would suggest having a Medieval theme, or perhaps Saints and Sinners, or what about a Knight out with the Lads?
A lot of people only think of Medieval costumes with weddings, but Medieval remains a very popular fancy dress theme all year round. Now if you are thinking of holding a Medieval costume party you must decide if you mind if your guests dress up in Tudor & Elizabethan costumes as well. Most people do get confused with these historiacl eras, so please be specific in your invitation if you do not want the eras to mix. It may also help to give your guests some actual information so they understand the look you are trying to create. Saying that, a lot of people really are not bothered whether the eras do mix, but, that is really down to the person who is putting on the party. It is understandable for people to tend to gravitate toward Tudor & Elizabethan costume as it is more ornate, and probably looks a bit more romantic. As with all fancy dress, we do not intend to hire, or sell an historically accurate costume. To be honest, nobody would want to wear an authentic medieval costume ever, so all the costumes available are going to have a bit of artistic involvement. If you are looking for historicallay accurate costume, we suggest you look for a local costumiers, and not a fancy dress shop.
So, what is the difference between Medieval & Tudor?
In Medieval times, the 14th Century Government dictated that lower classes should only wear blankets, and could not wear linen girdles. Trade people (and their wives) could only wear fur from rabbits, lambs, cats and foxes! Ermine fur was only allowed to be worn by royalty. And we think our Government today is too interfering!
A typical rich lady would wear:
Velvet, fur, silk, taffeta, lace and cotton. Knights returning from the Crusades would bring exotic materials back with them. Ladies would wear many layers, to help protect them from the draughts in the castles. Sleeves were very wide. Hair was worn long and plaited, only the Queen at her coronation, and young girls wore their hair down. Hats startedout as just material over the head and wrapped around the neck, and evolved to look like pointy horns.A medieval nobleman would wear trousers covered by a long tunic. A tabbard would often be worn over this. A fur trimmed cloak would be pinned at the shoulder to demonstrate his wealth. You could also attend the function in a Knight’s costume. Medieval peasant men wore linen or rough woollen shirts or tunics that came down to the knee. Pieces of fabric would either be tied around the legs or the man would go bare legged. To be honest, a peasant costume, doesn’t really change that much throughout this period of history and most fancy dress shops will have costumes to hire. The choice of costumes to purchase is still fairly low, but improving all the time.
A Medieval peasant would wear:
Wool, linen and sheepskin. A Peasant lady would wear a full length tunic made from a woollen or rough linen material. It was generally pulled in at the waist by a belt.
The richer the material from which Tudor clothes were made, the higher the status of the wearer. Silks, furs, and heavy brocades, as well aswool, were used for Tudor clothes. Bright colors of taffeta and satin were commonplace and it wasn’t unusual to see patterns mismatched. Both men and women wore their hair shoulder length.
In early Tudor, Men wore short doublets (jackets) over their hose (Pantaloons). It was fashionable for their sleeves to be slashed and their flat hats were often decorated with feathers. Women’s clothing gave them a triangular shape. Their corsets were tight fitting while their kirtles (petticoats) and gowns were very full
Poor people wore simple, loose-fitting clothes made from woollen cloth. Most men wore trousers made from wool and a tunic which came down to just above their knee. Women wore a dress of wool that went down to the ground. They often wore an apron over this and a cloth bonnet on their heads
This is the most popular of historical costumes from our extensive range. Tudor costumes tend to be more flattering and elaborate than medieval costume, and many people, although looking for a medieval costume, actually chose this era instead.
Tudor Fancy Dress Costume Suggestions: Tudor Peasant Lady
Tudor Peasant Man
Tudor Lady Tudor Man Costume Henry VIII
Henry VIII’s wives
Jester Monk For costuming purposes, we tend to link Tudor & Elizabethan in together, but the interesting fact of Elizabethan life is that , the Government (again getting involved!) decreed in 1574 and it was enforced by Queen Elizabeth I, the following colour dress code. To violate the law you could actually be fined, lose your title or even our life!
Red – lower and upper classes
Gold -Duchesses, Marquises, and Countesses. Dukes, Marquises, and Earls
Crimson – Royalty, Nobility and members of the Council
Indigo – Royalty, Nobility and members of the Council
Purple – Queen, Queen’s mother, children, and sisters, and aunts. The King, King’s mother, children and uncles
White – lower and upper classes
Black – although expensive to produce, lower and upper classes
Blue – lower and upper classes
Orange – lower and upper classes
Brown – lower and upper classes
Grey – lower and upper classes
Green – were lower and upper classes
Yellow – lower and upper classes
Pink – lower and upper classes
Medieval is a great fancy theme, and not only used for themed weddings. We do find our customers do get a bit confused between Tudor and Medieval costumes. People tend to
Ladies Peasant Fancy Dress
gravitate towards Tudor style costumes as they tend to be a bit more elaborate, and even though they have been invited to a Medieval themed party, or wedding, they insist on wearing Tudor. If you are holding a Medieval themed event, please be specific as to whether you will allow your guests to wear Tudor as well. If you don’t mind, then fair enough!
The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14th 1066. So, why is this date significant? No reason really, apart from the fact it’s a great opportunity to feature our Medieval range of costumes, which don’t get much of a look-in, compared to others in our collection. As it was a battle, no doubt you might consider a knight costume as an appropriate choice, or perhaps you don’t want to be taken too seriously and would rather have a Jester costume or Medieval page. Naturally when it comes to Medieval costumes rank enters into the situation, so rather than being a lowly peasant or jester, you might want to be seen as a Lord or even a King. Of course we have a fantastic selection. But, what about the ladies? Well aside from the Medieval peasants already mentioned, we do have a wonderful range of gowns for those ladies of leisure sitting at home, doing a bit of tapestry and waiting for their menfolk to return from the battlefield to a sumptuous home-coming feast.
Some Medieval costume suggestions for you to get started:
thought we would hark back to another Elizabethan era, that of the Tudor Queen, Elizabeth I. The reason we mention it today, aside from all the recent school events where Kings, Queens, Princes & Princesses have featured is that during Elizabeth I’s reign, today would have marked the summer solstice. The Elizabethans were great ones for festivals and celebrations, many of which would have been dictated by the church. Unlike nowadays when the summer solstice is a bit of a movable feast, as noted earlier this week, in the sixteenth century Midsummer’s Eve was always on this date and would often be celebrated by Mummers troupes who would depict various legends, such as St George and the Dragon. So if you are aiming to dress up today, what would you prefer Medieval or Tudor? Take your pick.
