Dressing a Tudor Maid

One of Dorset’s most beautiful Tudor manor houses, Athelhampton has stood in its peaceful valley for over five centuries. Its walls hold many secrets, from grand feasts in the Great Hall to family squabbles, all observed quietly by the servants who kept the household running.

The names of the servants rarely survive: only those of a few trusted male servants show up in wills and court cases, but it's possible to piece together a little of what their lives might have looked like. Even so, old documents in the archive are rarely enough to bring these forgotten people to life.

Court Document regarding disputes between the Martyns and Tregonwells

In our latest YouTube video, we explore what an Elizabethan maid at Athelhampton might have worn in the 16th Century. Through the layers of clothing we know she would have worn, we can bring a small part of this forgotten history back to life.

The first steps of getting dressed.

Layer by Layer: Dressing the Elizabethan Maid

Our video takes you step by step through the dressing of a Tudor servant:

• The Smock — A hardwearing, washable undergarment that could double as nightwear, keeping both body and outer layers clean.

• The Linen Kerchief — Covering the hair, this kept it neat, clean, and modest.

• Wool Stockings & Garters — Knitted wool stockings covered the legs, tied securely with garters.

• The Petticoat & Kirtle — Providing warmth, support, and structure, these were commonly red - a colour considered healthy and warming.

• The Belt & Apron — Practical while also allowing the wearer to show off a little wealth, belts allowed women to carry tools or small luxuries, while aprons protected valuable wool garments.

• The Jacket or Gown — Outer layers varied with status and wealth; jackets were cheaper, while gowns with long skirts signified greater expense.

• Accessories & Purses — From knives to scissors, everything had its place, though purses had to be guarded against opportunistic cutpurses.

• The Ruff & Hat — Starched ruffs and pinned hats completed the outfit, showing both cleanliness and status.

  
  

Every piece served a purpose - comfort, protection, and often display - reminding us that clothing was as much about survival as it was about style.

Watch the full story here:

Dressing a Tudor Maid video

If you enjoy exploring history brought to life at Athelhampton House:

• Like the video to show your support.

• Subscribe to our channel for more behind-the-scenes history.

• Share it with friends who love Tudor history, heritage houses, or costume design

(Photo by Dorset Morri'arty)

If you'd like to see more, come and visit us! Whether online or in person, Athelhampton invites you to discover centuries of stories. This half term, from the 27th-31st of October, you can come and meet some of the people who lived and worked at Athelhampton brought to life as part of our Tudor Week.

(Photo by Dorset Morri'arty)

Plan your visit today and experience one of England’s finest Tudor houses — where history, heritage, and hidden lives are waiting to be uncovered.