There is much talk in books of the privateers raiding ships of Spain and
taking cloth, lace and jewels from them to Elizabeth 1 in England who was
daughter to Henry V111.
Earlier than that Merchants who travelled between countries with spices and
whatever so why not lace fabric and other.
I believe gold lace has been found on Egyptian Mummies from the pyramids, so
think back to times and places.
Sue T
Dorset UK
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Partridge
Having been at the Lace Guild Convention when Dr Yallop gave a talk on the
history and subsequently bought and read the book, I agree that his theory,
which relates to the history of the Honiton lace industry, makes more sense
than the much copied theories in Mrs Palliser's book that lacemaking was
first introduced by migrants. This migrant theory also exists where the
British nail making industry is concerned, (the Romans taught us that!) and
no doubt also to many other industries.
1590 is very late when you consider that lace was worn in this country in
1537, if not earlier. It is reported that Anne of Cleeves had lace in her
wedding trousseau, and we have the stories of Catherine of Aragon teaching
her ladies to make lace... albeit hearsay, the chances are that the Spanish
industry goes back further as I believe I have read somewhere that lace
(maybe needlace rather than bobbin) was in existence around 1480, I think it
was 1485 she married Henry? JR Planche, writing (from primary source
research) in 1837 includes details of broad bands of gold lace on Henry
VIII's clothing, I can't remember the years but this would have to be before
1547. I think the earliest of the Huguenots are said to have arrived in the
1570s.
Of course, lace throughout history has been led by fashion, and that what
was in fashion on the Continent would be brought here by merchants. Kings
travelled abroad to lead their troups in battle, Henry VIII included, and
would not want to be behind the times in what they wore, either. So a
fashion for lace adorned clothing would easily spread from the continent to
England where the nobility were concerned. We know that Milan was the centre
of fashionable clothing then, just as Paris is known now. Much would have
been imported, but I doubt the well to do would want to spend money
unnecessarily so our weavers could well have been set the task of copying
some of the lace, possibly aided by some of Catherine's ladies (or their
servants) which developed into our own industry, prior to the refugees
arriving who likely joined with those similarly employed (for ease of work
and sales) where ideas and patterns may have been shared.
That's what I think, but none of us were there at the time so we will never
really know!
Jane Partridge
Brian wrote:
There is little doubt in my mind that the settlers must have made a real
contribution to English lace making wherever they settled, and so too did
the English businessmen make it a combined and profitable English business.
As to the origin of lace in that 1590s ( plus or minus), I leave that point
to be argued by others who know better than me.
Brian
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