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Sumptuary Laws
Is that outfit REALLY worth
dying for?
 Henry VIII was a good king in that
during his reign, England
prospered.
As a result it was becoming more and
more difficult for people to visibly
recognize the merchants and middle class
from the nobility.
This distinction was, by all
appearances, an important one to the
King because this was what prompted him
to enact what became known as the
"Sumptuary Laws".Although
these laws began with King Henry the
VIII in England, they were quickly
adopted throughout Europe by other
rulers and monarchs who were
experiencing similar problems. |
SUMPTUARY \-sem(p)-che-,wer-e\
adj.
[L sumptuarius, fro sumptus
expense, fro sumptus, pp. of sumere to
take, spend]
-
designed to regulate personal
expenditures and esp.
to prevent extravagance and luxury
-
designed to regulate habits on
moral or religious
grounds
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These laws and taxes were enacted by
Henry to keep the different
classes separate. He wanted to be able
to tell at a glance where
you stood socially by the clothes you
were wearing.
Your character's livelihood, how he
makes his living, has a
direct impact on the clothes he wears.
For instance violation of these laws
could result in loss of
property, title, or (in the cases of
lower class) death!
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These are the sumptuary laws of the time
of King Henry’s reign: |
WOMEN
NONE SHALL WEAR:
-
Cloth of
gold or silver, purple silk
EXCEPT countesses and all
above that rank (Viscountesses may
wear
it in their kirtles)
-
Silk or
cloth mixed with or embroidered with
silk, pearls, gold, or silver
EXCEPT Baronesses or above
that rank
-
Cloth of
silver in belts or Kirtles
EXCEPT Wives of Knights and
all above that rank.
-
Embroideries of gold or silver or
silk (or Mixed). Headdresses
trimmed with pearls
EXCEPT Wives of Baron's
Eldest sons, and all above that
rank, Boron's
Daughters, wives of King's knight,
or Privy Councilors, or maids of
Honor
-
Velvet
in upper garments, Embroidery with
silk thread
EXCEPT Knight's wives and all
above that rank
-
Velvet
in Kirtles or petticoats, Satin in
Gowns, cloaks, and other outer
garments
EXCEPT Wives of Knight's
eldest sons, Gentle~':l'O:rrle~
cttending
countesses, and all above that rank
-
Satin,
Damask, Taffeta, grosgrain in their
gowns
EXCEPT Landed Gentlemen's
wives and all above that rank
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MEN
NONE SHALL WEAR:
-
Cloth of Gold
or Silver, or silk of purple color
EXCEPT Earls, and all above
that rank, Knights of the King and
then
only in their rnnnttes
-
Cloth of gold
or Silk'."e:-, Ti~s!ed satin, silk
or cloth mixed or
embroidered with gold or silver, or
Foreign Woolen ctotri.
EXCEPT Barons and above that
rank. Knights of Garter, and Privy
Counselors
-
Any lace of
gold or silver, mixed with gold or
silver, or silk.
Spurs. swords. rapiers. daggers,
buckles, or studs with gold,
silver or gilt.
EXCEPT Baron's sons and all above
that rank. Gentlemen attending
the Queen, Knights, and Captains
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Velvet in
gowns, cloaks, coats, or upper
garments,
embroidery with silk. or hose of
silk.
EXCEPT Knights. and all above
that rank, and their heir's apparent
-
Velvet, satin.
damask. Tarteta. or grosgrain in
Gowns, cloaks.
coats, and upper garments, or velvet
in their jerkins, hose,
or doublets
EXCEPT Knight's eldest sons,
and all above that rank
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