WHAT THE "STUARTS" WORE

Rich "Stuarts" dressed in clothes that were more comfortable than those worn by wealthy "Tudors". Women appreciated less tight lacing and the disappearance of the farthingale. A gentleman swaggered around in breeches, doublet, lace collar and wide brimmed hat with a plume.

They were clothes that displayed restrained elegance. Only rich people could afford the expensive fabrics that were required, such as silk brocade and edgings of hand-made lace. The favourite colours of one of the Queens' was orange, blue, grey, peach, yellow and olive green, and these were often adopted by her courtiers.

Fashionable ladies and gentlemen followed the style of dress worn by King Charles I and his young French bride, Henrietta Maria. They wore clothes that displayed restrained elegance. The more relaxed styles were a change from the more restricting and highly decorated clothe worn at the Court of the previous King, James I.