Summary: General Information about the English in Ireland
Key dates:
The English, who came to Ireland from 1167, brought with them the fashion of European patterns. Men wore outer garments called kirtles with surcoats and breeches. The mantle was worn by both sexes, although lengths varied. Hose, pointed shoes and gloves were worn by all who could afford them. Women wore kirtles over inner tunics called chemises. Their clothes were usually colourful. Kirtles were made of fine wool, with round necklines, fitted sleeves and voluminous bodices pouched over the girdle. These girdles were long, decorative and made of silk, wool, linen or leather. Veils were worn from the 9th century.
Women’s hairstyles were very complicated. Hair was plaited, twisted and covered with a net called a crespine. The wealthy added extra fabric making a fillet and a barbette. A fillet was a circlet of stiffened linen worn on the head. This was kept in place by a barbette which was a linen band passed twice under the chin and pinned over the head.
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