1475 – The Hanse House in King’s Lynn is build, following the treaty of Utrecht granting Die Hanse privilages and making King’s Lynn one of the Hanseatic trade towns. To celebrate the event, we teamed up with a variety of folks, all brought together by Black Knight Historical – and spent a day participating in the festivities and talking about 15th century life in the town.
I used to do a lot of 15th century living history, but not recently – so most of my kit was old – or too posh for the role I was going to play – a hanseatic merchant/apothecary’s wife. Danzig-bred wife to be more precise – and since I spent most of my youth in Danzig ( Gdansk), it was a most appropriate role. It called for a suitable garment – wealthy, but not over the top, a bit behind the high fashions, but practical and stating my status clearly. A decision was made and I settled for a version of Rogier van der Weyden style frock – wool, lined with linen, very, very full, trimmed with fur.
the inspiration board on Pinterest – here
The frock took 7 metres of fabric – and the same amount of lining – the hem circumference is over 6m… It was relatively easy to make – it as the veil that was more problematic. I set my heart on making a frilled veil you can see in the portraits – I and making the frill ( 14m of linen was frilled…), hemming it and hemming the veil took almost as long as making the frock… not particularly happy with it, so will look for other ways to achieve the look I think. Still, it looked ok for some pics.
It was very warm, so I wore the frock only for the procession and riding (and pictures), and while at the stall, I was a bit cooler in my kirtle:-)
very happy with the new garment – and love the way the wool drapes – a few pictures below…
Was also happy with my new belt from Bayley Heritage Castings, and shoes and pattens from NP Historical Shoes
Lucas spent most of the day at the stall as well, chatting about late 15th century medical lore…
His services were sought out by the nobility as well…
But before we finished, he quickly changed an assumed his other role – that of a photographer, and captured some of the people at the event…
Eleanor in her Duchess Cecily Neville role…sporting a gown I made for her last year
On Sunday we stayed long enough to take part in the parade…
and shoot some product pictures of jewellery for Gemmeus… which, by the way was the easiest robbery ever – it was enough to say we are having a photoshoot and the rings and pendants were safely deposited in my purse in no time at all. it robbery was somehow hindered by the fact that Nicky from Gemmeus knew where I live – so alas, had to return all that lovely bling after the shoot…. 😦
And take some good photos of my posh frock – Memlinc brocade, lined with silk, silk velvet trim – all handstitched on holiday a few years ago….
All together , a great weekend was had by all – hoping we will be back next year!
Credits:
Photography – Pitcheresque Imagery – more pictures form the event here
frocks – Prior Attire
Jewellery – Gemmeus
Belt and a ring – Bayley Heritage Castings
Shoes and pattens – NP HIstorical Shoes
event organization – Black Knight HIstorical
Horse s& team – Steamhorse
A Damsel in This Dress 