2nd September 2019
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Back in 2016, an altar cloth in a small church in Bacton, Herefordshire was identified as once being part of a dress worn by Queen Elizabeth I. Since then, it has been undergoing a long restoration process and will be displayed at Hampton Court Palace from 12 October until 23 February 2020. This is a really exciting find as Elizabeth I is well known for her iconic fashion – but this is the only surviving example we have of one of her dresses, making it very special. Known as the Bacton Altar Cloth, the fabric most likely made its way to Herefordshire because of Blanche Parry, one of Elizabeth’s most trusted and faithful servants. Blanche was originally from Herefordshire, but moved to the Tudor court, and served Elizabeth from the time she was a baby. It was not unusual for Elizabeth to pass her clothing on, and records show that Blanche received many gifts of clothing from the queen. The cloth was likely sent to Bacton in memory of Blanche – who died in 1590 – where it was used as an altar cloth, keeping it safe for centuries. During the Tudor period, clothing was often so expensive that it was frequently passed onto other people, or the fabric unpicked and reused for different purposes, so very few Tudor garments remain. Additionally, after the English Civil Wars, Oliver Cromwell sold off almost everything from the Royal Stores – so this newly discovered piece is a real treasure! The altar cloth will be going on display beside the Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth – the fabric of her dress in the painting is so similar that Eleri Lynn of Historic Royal Palaces, who discovered the embroidered silk, believes it is ‘not inconceivable’ that the cloth may be from the skirt of this very dress. Certainly a must see if you are able to make it! https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/the-lost-dress-of-elizabeth-i/ Image: detail from Bacton Altar Cloth, via Historic Royal Palaces |