The Middleton Accounts of 1526: #65

The next entry in the Middleton household accounts for Sir Henry Willoughby in 1526 was the last in October but was undated. It was described as payment for a yard of frieze to mend one of the Children of the Chapel’s coats. The amount was 6 pence, which was the equivalent of about £11.03 today.

Frieze was a highly durable coarse woollen, plain weave cloth with a shaggy or raised nap on one side. Originally, it was known as “Frisian cloth”. This name originated from the Middle French word frise, which meant a tufted, curled or frizzled cloth. Frieze had been woven in the English Midlands, Wales and Ireland from at least the 14th century. It was only later made in Holland. The term frieze was corrupted in the 17th century, when it began to be applied to linen from Frisia.

Life-size Tudor scene erected in the Great Hall at Middleton Hall on Tudor Day Event,

Frieze was considered an everyday, utilitarian fabric. Furthermore, it was exceptionally warm, windproof and water-resistant as a result of its thick, tufted pile and that it was heavily felted. In comparison to many other fabrics, frieze was cheap. However, the price paid for this yard of cheap fabric was still the equivalent, at that time, of about a day’s wages of a skilled tradesman. Nevertheless, this indicates that this purchase was a highly economical consideration for the household. Rather than incur the high cost of a brand new coat for the boy, the practical decision had been made to just cheaply patch the boy’s winter coat in order to extend its lifespan.

Further Reading: W. H. Stevenson, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton, Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1911. p.386.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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