I don't know exactly when they started being worn but there is a
famous portrait miniature of Henry VIII's illegitimate son Henry
Fitzroy wearing one. Oh, now that I think of it, I seem to remember
a number of 15th century French illuminations depicting people in bed
wearing them, as well... At that time they would have most likely
been made of linen, but it is rather difficult to generalize about
construction. I seem to remember some of the extant ones I've seen
in the V&A being of a four panel construction, tapering to a point at
the crown.....if that makes any sense. I don't remember seeing any
ties but then I wasn't looking for any.
Cheers,
Danielle
At 09:58 AM 11/8/2007, you wrote:
Here's a suitably esoteric question for this group. Night caps. As in,
"Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap
had just settled down for a long winter's nap"
When were they worn? What were they made of ? How were they
contructed? How did they stay on?
I'm assuming they may have been worn any time that fires were the
only source of home heating, but I have only seen images from late
1800's and early 1900's. I'd like to make some.
Anyone know?
Laurie
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