Tudor hatHistoric Royal Palaces
The Bristowe hat is one of the rarest and most unusual objects in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. It is thought to have been made in the 16th century.
Tudor hat, backHistoric Royal Palaces
The hat is round with a plain, wool base that has been tufted with pink silk threads which gives it a distinctive appearance with this thick pile. The technique for creating this tufting is known as 'thrumming'.
The brim of the hat is held up on two sides by threads.
Detail of button on Tudor hatHistoric Royal Palaces
On one of the threads is a silver button that has been tarnished to a dark grey.
Tudor hatHistoric Royal Palaces
The look is completed with a tuft of bright green ostrich feathers.
Legend says that this hat may have been worn by Henry VIII himself, but what does the evidence tell us? Collections Curator Matthew Storey explains in more detail in the following video clip.
Bristowe HatHistoric Royal Palaces
Tudor hatHistoric Royal Palaces
There are more hats and headpieces in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Browse a selection of these online to discover more.
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