• Finished garment
• Tudor Tailor exclusive

Stunning Tudor style French gown, kirtle and matching sleeves, and petticoat based on documentary evidence for clothing made for the Lady Mary (later Mary I) in 1540.

The gown is made from high-quality crimson coloured cotton velvet lined with a loose-weave wool which represents sixteenth century 'cotton'. The large turnback sleeves are lined in the same velvet. The generous box pleats at the top of the skirt have been 'stuffed' or padded. The bodies fasten at the front with silk duchess satin forebodies featuring hand-stitched eyelets. A separate placard, or stomacher, stiffened with paste buckram pins over the top. 

The kirtle is made from silk damask with silver metallic thread and lined with black linen. The neckline is decorated with Czech glass pearls all the way around. The bodies lace at both sides, making the garment adjustable to fit a range of sizes. The hem is bound with black velvet. The matching separate foresleeves tie into the gown and feature bound slashes, decorated with pairs of gold-plated pewter aiglets and white linen 'pullings out'.

The petticoat is made in scarlet wool with silk duchess satin upper bodies.

The garments are all in excellent condition having been worn only for a photoshoot and a small number of indoor events. There is some marking on the gown hem from having trailed on the ground. All finishing is by hand and there is no visible machine stitching on the inside or outside. The ensemble was made by Nottingham Trent University costume degree student Maya Rae Coban.

French hood, white linen smock and jewellery are not included.

Measurements:

Waist 26in-30in (66cm-76cm) - can be laced with a 2in (5cm) gap on either side of the kirtle and up to a 4in (10cm) gap at the front of the gown

Bust 32in-36in (81.5cm-91.5cm) - can be laced with a 2in (5cm) gap on either side of the kirtle and up to a 4in (10cm) gap at the front of the gown

Upper arm of gown 14in (35.5cm) around

Skirt length from waist to hem 42in (107cm) with a train at the back of the gown

Made for a 5' 7" tall woman

We regret that we cannot offer returns or refunds on costumes. Returns on items such as these are not very practical, particularly if shipping internationally where customs duties might be involved. Therefore, please check all measurements (both yours and those of the costume!) carefully. If you have any questions about the garments or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.