Why did .............

[said]

Why did men wear a flat cap on their heads on Sundays - from the 15th century up until almost the eighteenth century?

During the middle ages, several men opted not to grow a beard - why?

[Derek H]

Why did.....

you take it up yourself to more or less monopolise the forum?

[rolling-thunder]

I believe it was part of the Sumptuary Laws passed by Queen Elizabeth 1. It was a form of job creation scheme as well as fashion but the sumptuary Laws were rarely enforced. It was also another way to keep the Peasants in their place.
"Elizabethan Sumptuary Statutes. Sumptuary laws were enacted in many centuries and countries. In Elizabethan England, these laws attempted to restrict the sumptuousness of dress in order to curb extravagance, protect fortunes, and make clear the necessary and appropriate distinctions between levels of society."
The first Sumptuary Laws were dated 15 June 1574,16 years of Elizabeth 1st

As for beards, they were considered to be out of fashion and the sign of a Barbarian but like all fashions, attitudes change.

[Hamble]

Why did men wear a flat cap on their heads on Sundays - from the 15th century up until almost the eighteenth century?

During the middle ages, several men opted not to grow a beard - why?

By Law.


In 1571, Parliament decreed that all non-noblemen and boys over the age of six must cover their heads with wool caps on Sundays and holidays. Anyone found walking about without a wool cap on Sunday would be slapped with a three farthing fine. The law was established to generate domestic wool sales, which were the bedrock of the English economy at the time.

The law was repealed after 26 years, but by then people already liked the look and feel of their wool caps and kept right on wearing them. For centuries afterwards, the flat cap would be linked with working men and tradesmen in England and Ireland. At the turn of the century, immigrants brought the hat to the United States where it gained popularity among young boys. Today, the style is warmly embraced around the world and by every strata of society.

Beards were taxed?

[rolling-thunder]

It was also expected that Christian Men & Women would cover their hair anyway from the earliest Christian times!

[Little Londoner]

Beards were taxed?

SSSSSHHHHHHH! Don't give your lot ideas they'll soon be taxing beards AND razors.

[jamyramy]

SSSSSHHHHHHH! Don't give your lot ideas they'll soon be taxing beards AND razors.

I did read somewere that there was even a consideration that meat and dairy should also be taxed due to the amount ofmethane from rummins harming the ozone layer,with the gaseous outpourings.that also brings into the argument the consumption of legumes by humans,garlic and onions too! oh an curry ,chilli foods too .but then again they do come out hotter than when taken in so suppose those are at your own risk.ring sting haha!

[said]

Why did.....

you take it up yourself to more or less monopolise the forum?

No-one can do that - if you have any topics to keep site lively and interesting - be everyone's guest and put them on the site.

[said]

It was also expected that Christian Men & Women would cover their hair anyway from the earliest Christian times!

That is interesting - I thought that was for the Catholic people.

[said]

By Law.


In 1571, Parliament decreed that all non-noblemen and boys over the age of six must cover their heads with wool caps on Sundays and holidays. Anyone found walking about without a wool cap on Sunday would be slapped with a three farthing fine. The law was established to generate domestic wool sales, which were the bedrock of the English economy at the time.

The law was repealed after 26 years, but by then people already liked the look and feel of their wool caps and kept right on wearing them. For centuries afterwards, the flat cap would be linked with working men and tradesmen in England and Ireland. At the turn of the century, immigrants brought the hat to the United States where it gained popularity among young boys. Today, the style is warmly embraced around the world and by every strata of society.

Beards were taxed?

Absolutely! When you look back at strange traditions in history - it makes you wonder what may come up in the future.

[said]

I did read somewere that there was even a consideration that meat and dairy should also be taxed due to the amount ofmethane from rummins harming the ozone layer,with the gaseous outpourings.that also brings into the argument the consumption of legumes by humans,garlic and onions too! oh an curry ,chilli foods too .but then again they do come out hotter than when taken in so suppose those are at your own risk.ring sting haha!

Ha!Ha! Surely there is enough taxes already - I mean way back in history they had not considered Global warming taxes, Ozone Layer taxes and VAT.

[jamyramy]

Ha!Ha! Surely there is enough taxes already - I mean way back in history they had not considered Global warming taxes, Ozone Layer taxes and VAT.

never really understood value added tax,or purchase tax(showing my age there) its like you've paid tax on your earnings then,oh goody be gratfull you can spend whats left on keeping the economy going and jobs alive,by spending it on whats made the effort a little bit rewarding,for getting out of bed and earning.so well have a bit of that too!

[said]

never really understood value added tax,or purchase tax(showing my age there) its like you've paid tax on your earnings then,oh goody be gratfull you can spend whats left on keeping the economy going and jobs alive,by spending it on whats made the effort a little bit rewarding,for getting out of bed and earning.so well have a bit of that too!

Yeah! That sounds about right! Damn good job we don't have to fund Royalty to go to the Crusades now.

[jamyramy]

Yeah! That sounds about right! Damn good job we don't have to fund Royalty to go to the Crusades now.

ah now don't mention the crusades,there but in another life spent.haha.lookin forward to the next.

[rolling-thunder]

That is interesting - I thought that was for the Catholic people.

Until Henry the 8th there wasn't really much of a difference. Hat's stopped peoples heads getting burnt so it was a pragmatic rule.