Petticoat, back, worn by Queen Victoria

This petticoat is an extremely rare survival of a pieces of underclothing from the early part of Queen Victoria's life. The style of the neck and waistline are typical of fashions from the 1840s, and the measurements of the garment are similar to those of other pieces of her clothing at this time. This helps to confirm that Victoria probably wore this when she was in her 20s. During the 1800s women needed an extensive array of under clothes, which could include a chemise, drawers, corset, corset cover, camisole, skirt supports and petticoats, which all helped to create a fashionable shape for the clothes put over them.

Although as an under garment this petticoat would not have been seen, it is beautifully made. Considerable care has been taken in its construction from lawn, a fine, light weight cotton fabric. The incredibly delicate pleating around the waist is testament to the high quality of royal clothing. The neckline and sleeves are trimmed in decorative lace.

Items of royal clothing were often given away as gifts, and this petticoat was given to Samuel Bagster the elder and (1772-1851) and his wife, Eunice Bagster (1777-1877). Samuel Bagster was founder of a publishing firm called Bagster & Sons. Bagster supplied bibles to King George IV, King William IV and Queen Victoria, who honoured him for his compilation of 'Bagster's Comprehensive Bible'.

Bagster died at his home at Old Windsor, Berkshire, on 28 March 1851, however his wife Eunice (nee Birch) survived him by some twenty-six years, dying on the eve of her 100th birthday. Queen Victoria owned a photograph of her, taken on her 99th birthday. The petticoat was passed down in the family as a precious memento of the Queen.