The Extravagance of 1700s Court Dresses | The Spitalfields Mantua Dress
In the 18th century, Mantua dresses were the height of court fashion. In this video, our experts discuss a rare and spectacular dress that dates from around 1756. It's 210cm…
Getting Dressed as Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 at the age of just 18. She would become known for the mourning dresses that she wore later in her reign but…
Getting Dressed as an Elizabethan Courtier
Under the rule of Elizabeth I, a new kind of courtier could be found in the royal court. Elite gentlemen trying to compete against each other to stand out for…
Wigs, Frills & High Heels | 17th Century Menswear
The late 1600s saw a peak in extravagance in mens fashion history. After years of Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration brought Charles II back to the English throne…
Silks, Crowns & Fairies | Dressing a 17th Century Queen
In 1632, Henrietta Maria attended a royal masque dressed as Divine Beauty. Royal masques were hugely popular in the 17th century. They were theatrical and elaborate parties, with singing, dancing…
How Henry VIII’s Court Ate
In the great dining hall at Hampton Court Palace, the vast Tudor court came together twice a day for mealtimes. Only Henry VIII and certain courtiers would have eaten in…
Getting Dressed as a Medieval Queen
In this video, historical interpreters go through all the stages of dressing for medieval women, both for wealthy and poorer working women, to create an outfit fit for a queen…
Cleanliness in the Tudor Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace
The Tudor kitchens at Hampton Court Palace served over 400 people a day in the court of Henry VIII. Lavish feasts for the King and courtiers, and meals for 200…
Get Ready With Me | Working in Henry VIII’s Kitchens
When we think of Tudor fashion at the court of Henry VIII, we probably imagine the lush gowns and shining doublets that we see in portraits. But what did ordinary,…
Catherine of Aragon’s Bedchamber Servant | Get Ready with Me
Catalina of Motril was a former servant to Katherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII. Likely enslaved, she was brought to England at the age of 15 to serve…