Dress Accessories c. 1150 - c.1450

A detailed archaeological study of dress accessories uncovered from medieval London sites. The authors, both experts in medieval archaeology—Egan with the Museum of London and Pritchard with the Whitworth Art Gallery—analyze artifacts to reveal insights into fashion, craftsmanship, and social history during the High and Late Middle Ages.

The study draws on well-dated deposits, like those from the Baynard’s Castle site, to trace chronological trends. For instance, early 13th-century buckles are functional, while 14th-century examples show decorative flourishes, reflecting the growing influence of French fashion after Edward III’s reign. The book includes 425 pages with 270 black-and-white illustrations, 12 color plates, and detailed catalog entries, alongside analyses of materials (e.g., tin-lead alloys) and manufacturing techniques (e.g., casting, stamping).

Socially, the artifacts reveal class distinctions—elaborate brooches for the elite versus simpler pins for artisans—while also showing mass production’s rise by the 15th century. The authors compare London finds with European parallels, noting trade influences from Flanders and Italy.