Hats that Made Britain: A History of the Nation Through its Headwear

Britain's oldest surviving hat shop, Lock and Co., is a hatter, and its history reflects the country's social history. David Long's book explores how hats speak volumes about their wearers' rank and status, revealing the stories of the people beneath some of history's most famous hats.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 18 September 2020
\n Publisher: The History Press Ltd
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Many of the world's most iconic hats have their roots in Britain, where during the Middle Ages, civil and religious laws mandated the wearing of hats. In Victorian Britain, a person would no more leave home without a hat than a pair of trousers. It is not surprising that London's oldest surviving shop, Lock and Co., is a hatter, as hats of all sorts have passed through its doors and continue to do so after more than 300 years. In this captivating new book, David Long explores how much of Britain's social history can be understood through its headwear, and in examining the ways in which a hat speaks volumes about its wearer's rank and status, he tells the stories of the people beneath some of history's most famous hats.

The history of headwear in Britain is a rich and fascinating tapestry, dating back to the Middle Ages when civil and religious laws required the wearing of hats. In the Victorian era, hats became an essential part of a person's attire, and a person would no more leave home without a hat than a pair of trousers. London's oldest surviving shop, Lock and Co., is a testament to this era, as it has been a hatter for over 300 years.

Throughout history, hats have served various purposes, from practical everyday caps and bonnets to military headwear, top hats, and even the coronation crown. Hats have been used to convey social status, rank, and identity, and they have played a significant role in shaping British society.

In his book, David Long delves into the history of headwear in Britain, exploring how it has evolved over time and the different styles and materials used to create hats. He also tells the stories of the people behind some of the most famous hats of history, including the Duke of Wellington's famous top hat, the Queen's coronation crown, and the bowler hat that became synonymous with London's working class.

One of the key themes of Long's book is the role that headwear has played in British society over the centuries. He argues that hats have been used to create social divisions and hierarchies, with the upper classes wearing more elaborate and expensive hats, while the working class wore simpler and more practical hats. However, he also shows how headwear has been used to break down these barriers and promote social equality, with the rise of the bowler hat in the 19th century as a symbol of working-class identity and pride.

Another interesting aspect of Long's book is the way that headwear has been influenced by fashion trends and cultural movements. He discusses how the popularity of different hat styles has changed over time, from the tall, wide-brimmed hats of the 18th century to the smaller, more fashionable hats of the 20th century. He also explores how headwear has been used to express political and social beliefs, with the rise of the fascist movement in the 1930s leading to the adoption of military-style hats as a symbol of national pride.

In conclusion, David Long's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of headwear in Britain. It provides a fascinating insight into the social, cultural, and political significance of hats throughout history, and it showcases the craftsmanship and skill that go into creating these iconic pieces of clothing. Whether you are a hat collector, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about the history of British society, this book will provide you with a wealth of information and inspiration.

\n Weight: 710g\n
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780750993814\n \n