Sunday, October 12, 2008

Question from Will - Outfit of an executioner

Can someone please tell me what outfit an executioner wore as i need to make one for school and all the pictures i have found only show the hooded head. Thank you

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Although probably not historically accurate, I'd say you could probably go with the idea that Hollywood came up with...the hood, leggings, and a relatively fitted tunic.

You must remember, freedom of movement would have been essential in hefting around a large axe. But also the worker wouldn't have wanted his clothes to be too loose, in case they got caught-up in his swing.

Putting on a large apron was probably part of the work-a-day wear for an executioner, also. Especially if he was married. Can't you just hear the comments now from his wife after a day of chopping???? (wink)

Tracey

Anonymous said...

Executioners weren't the highest level of society. They would just have had the basic Tudor era work clothes for men -- a linen shirt and pants. I think the only item we know of they had that was different was a mask that fit closely over their heads with eye openings.

(BTW, Tracey hope you see this: you don't need to post as anonymous .... when you post, click on the Name/URL button. It will change to allow you to post with your name ....

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Kathy!

Anonymous said...

Tracey, good to see you as yourself! *high fives*

Anonymous said...

all black, no doubt, and a black hood to conceal identity. i've seen some movies and pictures with executioners with just what looks like a peice of black cloth rolled up with holes for eyes. i agree with "anonymous" for the most part.

Foose said...

Will you be a French executioner or an English one? If French, you must accessorize your outfit with a sword. If English, you can have the traditional axe. Henry VIII imported a French one to cut off Anne Boleyn's head. No word on how honest English executioners felt about this.

Anonymous said...

anne
If you go into The life and death of Anne Boleyn I think there is a picture of the executioner.

Anonymous said...

can u at least show the pic