Photograph: Small knitted woollen mitten. The wool is pale brown. There is a line of black wool decoration around the wrist.
See a larger image

Mitten

Date: 1500s

Knitting appears to have become common only in the 1500s, but then it rapidly increased in popularity. It was a new activity in working people's lives and soon also became a valuable source of income for many. This knitted child's mitten is a rare survival. It is knitted from the top of the finger-pouch in the direction of the wrist and decorated with three rows of black wool in a simple pattern around the wrist. Poorer people could find a bargain at the second hand clothes dealers ('fripperers') in Houndsditch, but many relied on home-knitted woollen clothes. This garment offers an insight into how children were protected from the cold.

Accession number: A1989

Place of collection: Hill Street, Finsbury, London [Islington]

Material: wool

Measurements: L 130 mm; W (including thumb piece) 70 mm

Gallery location: Case 17.11

Related material

Subjects:

Childhood
Dress

Objects:

    The Museum of London Group is funded by the City of London and the Greater London Authority. Museum of London, London Wall, LONDON EC2Y 5HN, United Kingdom. Copyright & legal notices. This site is maintained by the Museum IT Team.