Kirtle Collection

Saxon Ladies / Strutt
Anglo-Saxons of 9th & 10th centuries: tunics (kirtles)- one with an embroidered hem, super-tunic (roc), mantles, veils or head-rails which completely cover the hair

Citizens of London walking in the Pleasant Pastures of Smethefelde, 1857. Creator: Unknown
Citizens of London walking in the Pleasant Pastures of Smethefelde, 1857. Scene from "Master Walter, the Physician. A Tale of Old London": The Smethefelde was thronged, that afternoon

A Young English Woman, 16th century (pen & ink and w / c on paper)
AMO112267 A Young English Woman, 16th century (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by Holbein the Younger, Hans (1497/8-1543); 16x9.2 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The Penance of Jane Shore (oil on canvas)
DRB128804 The Penance of Jane Shore (oil on canvas) by Lauder, Robert Scott (1803-69); 88.9x180.34 cm; The Drambuie Collection, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish, out of copyright

Anglo-Saxon lady in a pink tunic or kirtle underneath a purple draped mantle. Her hair is hidden by an orange head- rail or veil which is draped over the shoulders. Date: 11th century

Second half of C15th. Man: demi-gown with hanging sleeves. Women: kirtle & short gown or ermine trimmed gown. Headdresses: butterfly & a hood-like one with an under-cap Date: 15th century

Portrait of an unknown French Noblewoman, 1560-9 (oil on panel)
3087042 Portrait of an unknown French Noblewoman, 1560-9 (oil on panel) by French School, (16th century); 35x27 cm; Hallwyl Museum, Stockholm

Ladys dress, 14th century, (1910). Costume of a well-to-do woman from the reign of Edward III (ruled 1327-1377). The headdress consists of a gorget

Costume / Bourgogne C15
Man: very short houppelande or jacket with dagged epaulettes & hanging sleeves, parti- coloured hose, piked shoes & a bandeau. Woman: Hennin & veil headdress, gown & kirtle. Date: 15th century

Italian Costumes C15Th
Italian costume: gown with hanging sleeves & laced across the kirtle bodice; gown with large sleeves ornamented with bows. Man: fur-trimmed jacket & sleeveless, hooded garment. Date: 15th century

French Costumes 1460-80
Men: shallow caps with upturned brims, jackets with pleats & doublets. Women: gown with fur borders, V -neck with revers, kirtle, hood-like headdress, hood with liripipe. Date: 1460 - 1480

German Dress C14Th
Woman: goffered veil & wimple, kirtle with buttoned sleeves, loose fitting gown, girdle & pouch. Man: dagged cape, gipon (doublet), girdle, piked shoes & hat with an up-turned brim. Date: 14th century

English Costume Mid C14
Woman: cote-hardie with long tippets, kirtle buttoned over the hands, ornamental fillet, veil & plaits coiled over the ears. Men: mantle, fur hood, houppelande, girdle & pouch. Date: 1365 - 1376

Noblewoman of C14Th
Noblewomen: fur-lined mantle with heraldic embroidery & a garment that resembles a kirtle, being front fastening but with funnel sleeves. N.B knightly- girdle. Date: 14th century

State Habits of C14Th
State Habits: cote-hardie with fitchets & long tippets to the sleeves, sideless surcote worn over a kirtle, tabard style sleeveless surcote with side slits. 14th century

Priests, Soldier C8Th
Clergy: Ecclesiastical vestments; Soldier: chainmail, a tunic, hose or trousers & leg bandages. Woman: a kirtle with embroidered cuffs & a fur-lined super tunic. Date: 8th century

13th century Dress - Woman - Boy
Young woman: wears her hair long & flowing, a pink kirtle & short green super-tunic. Boy: short super-tunic with a square neckline & girdle, stockings & shoes with a bar. 13th century

German Noblewomen C15Th
German ladies of rank: gown with deep fur hem & falling collar over an ornate kirtle. A loose belt is worn. Or a gown with a square neckline, wide funnel sleeves & girdle. Date: late 15th century

Merchant & Wife 1590
A London merchant wears a fur- lined gown with hanging sleeves, cut-fingered pumps & a low-crowned hat. His wife wears a tall crowned copotain hat, yellow kirtle & pink gown Date: 1590

Costume / Brass of C15Th
Monumental brass in Digswell Church, Hertfordshire: wide, padded headdress with veil, houppelande with turned down collar, long funnel sleeves, kirtle sleeves visible. Date: early 15th century

Isabella Beauchamp
ISABELLA BEAUCHAMP Wife of William Beauchamp and foundress of the Nunnery at Cokehill Date: FLOURISHED 15TH CENTURY

Celanese Coronation advertisement, 1953
Advertisement for Celanese acetate yarn in the year of Queen Elizabeth IIs Coronation featuring a Coronation robe and Kirtle of velvet made for a Baroness by Ede and Ravenscroft. Date: 1953

British Ballad, Fair Helen of Kirconnell
FAIR HELEN (Helen of Kirconnell - Kirconnel - Kirkconnel) British ballad of Scottish origin telling the tragic tale of Helen Irving (Fair Helen of Kirkconnel) daughter of the Laird of Kirkconnel

English Lady & Knights
Woman: mantle, a kirtle with front lacing, girdle & pouch, ornamental fillet, coiled plaits & veil. Knights: mantle, various sleeveless fitted garments

Ladies of C15Th
Ermine lined gown with belt, gown with tight sleeves worn over the knuckles or turned back to form a cuff, sleeveless garment with side vent worn over a kirtle

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The kirtle, a timeless garment worn by Saxon ladies and women of nobility throughout history, holds a significant place in the world of fashion. From the intricate costumes depicted in Strutt's illustrations to the elegant Bourgogne C15 attire, this versatile piece has stood the test of time. Italian Costumes from the 15th century showcase how kirtles were an essential part of their wardrobe. French Costumes between 1460-80 also highlight its prominence during that era. Even English Costume in the mid-14th century portrays noblewomen donning this exquisite garment. Artists have immortalized various women wearing kirtles through their masterpieces. A young English woman from the 16th century is beautifully captured using pen and ink with watercolor on paper, showcasing her grace and elegance. An unknown woman painted around 1525 exudes confidence as she wears her kirtle with pride in oil on panel form. Not only did noblewomen embrace this style, but even Jane Shore, depicted in "The Penance of Jane Shore, " wore a kirtle as she sought redemption on canvas. The versatility of this garment is evident as it transcends social classes and tells stories through its presence. An Anglo-Saxon lady draped herself in a pink tunic or kirtle beneath a regal purple mantle, symbolizing power and femininity combined effortlessly. In contrast, men during the second half of the 15th century embraced demi-gowns with hanging sleeves while still incorporating elements inspired by these iconic garments. A portrait from 1560-9 showcases an unknown French noblewoman radiating sophistication while adorned in her meticulously crafted kirtle made for royalty. Throughout centuries and across different cultures, one thing remains constant: The allure and charm that emanate from those who wear a it can undeniable. Whether it be for ceremonial purposes or everyday wear, this remarkable piece continues to captivate and inspire fashion enthusiasts worldwide.