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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:

  1. 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

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  2. 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 ....

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

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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

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  7. can u at least show the pic

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