In this talk, we will shift the perspective, asking ourselves if, (by some happy cosmic coincidence) you were born five hundred years earlier, how might you have dressed yourself? Indeed, would you have dressed yourself, or would someone else have done that for you? Would your clothes have been itchy or soft on your skin? How many pairs of shoes could you expect to own? What would you have worn to bed? And when, exactly, is the right time to adorn a ruff?

We will answer all these questions and more as we dive into the fascinating world of sixteenth century everyday life and fashion, weaving a fine thread through A Tudor Guide to Getting Dressed.

Chloë-Jade is a doctoral researcher at the University of Southampton whose scholarship centres on the everyday lives of people living in sixteenth and seventeenth century England. Having worked closely with the public in the museum and heritage sector she loves to find engaging new ways to share her research, whether that be through talks, workshops, blogs or magazine articles.

Guests will be greeted on arrival with a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic Nozeco and have the opportunity to enjoy a private view of the ‘Dressed for Shaw’ costume exhibition after the talk.

Talk duration: 45 minutes, with 15 minutes Q&A and time to view the ‘Dressed for Shaw’ costume exhibition.

Friday 12 August | Doors open 6.30pm | Talk 7pm | Shaw House | £15 per person (includes 125ml glass of Prosecco/Nozeco and Private View)

Book online: www.westberkshireheritage.org/whats-on