m (Add link)
(Overhaul the l&f page: merge in costume advice, split out specific costume items)
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===Materials===
===Materials===
Wool, calico, linen, leather.
Wool, calico, linen, leather.
 
<br style="clear:both">
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_colour_scheme.png|width=400|height=100|align=right}}
===Colours===
===Colours===
Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached  
Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached  
Line 21: Line 22:
rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of  
rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of  
the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.
the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=350|align=right}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesHats.jpg|width=350|align=right}}
==Clothing==
Marchers favour plain clothes, simple [[hood]]s, hose and shirts. Wealthier characters might wear finer [[robe]]s, cotehardies or a simple doublet, but even then plain wool or heavy linen will be more appropriate than fancy patterns or embroidery.
Medieval re-enactments are a great source of inspiration for the look and feel of the Marches territories - although unlike history, its worth noting that Marches society is gender neutral.


===Clothing===
[[Hose]], either joined or split, are worn with [[braies]] and a long shirt. An extremely simple untailored cut for shirts fits the Marches very well: Full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.  
Marchers favour plain clothes, simple hoods, hose and shirts. Wealthier characters might wear finer robes, cotehardies or a simple doublet
but it will usually still be a plain wool or heavy linen.  


Hose, either joined or split, are worn with braies and a long shirt. Shirts are an extremely simple untailored cut, full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.  
[[Doublet]]s are popular in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing. They tend to be short and simple – fancy slash work doesn't really fit the Marchers practical approach.


Doublets are popular in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing. They tend to be short and simple, fancy slash work doesn't really fit the Marchers practical approach.
A woollen or heavy linen overdress  
<row-fluid>
such as a [[kirtle]] or [[cotehardie]] over a shirt
<span12>
is be a good alternative to shirts and hose.
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume8.jpg|width=400|align=left|caption=Doublet by [https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress]
The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit.  
}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=400|align=left|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/13th-century/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>
 
Instead of shirts and hose some may choose to wear a woollen or heavy linen overdress  
such as a kirtle or cotehardie over a shift. The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit.  
Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more common.  
Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more common.  
It would be rare to see a gathered skirt (common to Tudor kirtles) in the Marches.  
It would be rare to see a gathered skirt (common to Tudor kirtles) in the Marches.
 
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume1.jpg|width=116|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marcheskirtle.JPG|width=180|align=left|Caption=Costume by Jude Reid}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume3.jpg|width=170|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume7.jpg|width=315|align=left|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/13th-century/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>
 


Headwear is frequently worn, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.
Headwear is frequently worn, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=TobiasShanks.jpg|align=left|title=A simple cap and household livery|width=300}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume4.jpg|width=437|align=left|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/15th-century/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume5.jpg|width=420|align=left|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/15th-century/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>


Marchers have no pockets so a pouch is invaluable – bollock or kidney pouches
Marchers have no pockets, so a pouch is invaluable – [[bollock pouch|bollock]] or [[kidney pouch]]es
or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round,  
or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round,  
looped at the front and left to dangle.
looped at the front and left to dangle.


Both male and female monks wear traditional plain monk's habit either
The [[#Monks and Friars|typical clothing]] of both male and femals [[The_Marches_religious_beliefs|monks and friars]] consists of a [[#Monks and Friars|traditional plain monk's habit]].
in dark colours, or white with a dark scapular.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marchers_through_Sentinel_Gate.jpg|title=The Marches march out through the sentinel gate|caption={{ImageBy|Judith Taylor}}|width=800|height=400|align=left}}
==Weaponry==
The classic Marcher fighting unit is a block of assorted polearms recruited from the yeomanry. Prosperous marchers often wear plate and wield great swords, poleaxes or hammers, shattering gaps open for the billfolk to exploit.
 
Bows, in particular longbows, are also a common sight among the Marchers units on the battlefield.


===Armour===
===Armour===
{{CaptionedImage|file=Marchers_through_Sentinel_Gate.jpg|title=The Marches march out through the sentinel gate|caption={{ImageBy|Judith Taylor}}|height=300|align=left}}
Padded [[gambeson]]s or [[leather jack]]s are common for the poor, with a [[harness of plate]] for richer individuals. Households often wear matching [[livery coat]]s, although simple [[sash]]es or badges are also used to denote affiliation. [[Jack chain]]s over a gambeson are ideal for a Marcher yeoman.
Padded gambesons or leather jacks are common for the poor, with a harness of plate for richer individuals. Households often wear matching livery cotes, although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote affiliation. Jack chains over a gambeson are ideal for a Marcher yeoman.
 
===Shields===
The classic Marcher fighting unit is a block of assorted polearms recruited from the yeomanry. Prosperous marchers often wear plate and wield great swords, poleaxes or hammers, shattering gaps open for the billfolk to exploit.
 
Large shields are much less common than in other nations; shield-walls are seen as a tactic best left behind in Dawn. Marchers who have a good reason not to use a pole-arm or a great sword, such as martial Landskeepers fearing arrows, or skirmish groups protecting the flanks will often use a small buckler to go alongside their weapon of choice.


===Weapons===
===Weapons===
Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer characters in heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are typical: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all carried by some.
Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer characters in heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are typical: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all carried by some.


<row-fluid>
====Shields====
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms1.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
Large shields are much less common than in other nations; shield-walls are seen as a tactic best left behind in Dawn. Marchers who have a good reason not to use a pole-arm or a great sword, such as martial Landskeepers fearing arrows, or skirmish groups protecting the flanks will often use a small buckler to go alongside their weapon of choice.
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesArms2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
<br style="clear:both;"/>
</row-fluid>
 


==Marcher household==
==Marcher household==
A prosperous [[Marcher household]] will wear often wear matching livery coats, although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote affiliation. Padded jacks are common for the poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.
A prosperous [[Marcher household]] will wear often wear matching livery coats, although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote affiliation. Padded jacks are common for the poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=March20.jpg|width=600|Marcher Household arrayed for battle.|height=200|align=left}}
<row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Balston Fighting.jpg|width=600|House Balston|height=200|align=left}}
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarcherFamily.jpg|width=600|In livery from a young age|height=200|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=March20.jpg|width=400|align=left}}
<br style="clear:both;"/>
<!--{{CaptionedImage|file=FineDrummer.jpg|caption=costume by [http://www.ryallarmouries.co.uk Ryall armouries]|width=213|align=left}}-->
{{CaptionedImage|file=Balston Fighting.jpg|House Balston|width=400|align=left}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>


==Yeomen==
==Yeomen==
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Wealthier Yeomen usually have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the  
Wealthier Yeomen usually have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the  
top if they have it.
top if they have it.
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen1.jpg|width=187|height=250}}
<row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen2.jpg|width=187|height=250}}
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen1.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen3.jpg|width=187|height=250}}
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen2.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Erwillian Mann.jpg|width=187|height=250}}
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesYeomen3.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
{{CaptionedImage|file=CullachMarching.jpg|width=500|height=250}}
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=Erwillian Mann.jpg|width=187}}</span3>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span6>{{CaptionedImage|file=CullachMarching.jpg|width=500}}</span6>
<span3>{{CaptionedImage|file=SoldierHarness.jpg|title=Marcher Yeoman in visored sallet, gambeson, plackard and slightly visible jack chains.|width=250}}</span3>
</row-fluid>


==Stewards==
==Stewards==
The head of a household, a [[steward]], may wear richer colours, but most likely in home grown wool not rarer silk. Wealthy Marchers are often seen in full harness of plate in battle.
The head of a household, a [[steward]], may wear richer colours, but most likely in home grown wool not rarer silk. Wealthy Marchers are often seen in full harness of plate in battle.
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards1.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=187|height=250}}
<row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=187|height=250}}
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards1.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards3.jpg|title=Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=187|height=250}}
<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards2.jpg|title=Film: Ironclad|width=267}}</span4>
</row-fluid>
<row-fluid>
<span8>{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesStewards3.jpg|title=Film: Snow White and the Huntsman|width=590}}</span8>
</row-fluid>


==Beaters==
==Beaters==
[[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters|Beaters]] are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.
[[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters|Beaters]] are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.
<row-fluid>
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=Beater Andrew Daybell.jpg|caption=William Bragg of the Boundarymen (Andrew Daybell)|title=William Bragg of the Boundarymen (Andrew Daybell)|width=350|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Morgan Archer.jpg|title=Morgan Archer, House Talbot. Beater, hunter and game keeper.|caption=Morgan Archer (Judith Ressler)|width=220|align=left}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>
Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.
Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=Beater Andrew Daybell.jpg|caption=William Bragg of the Boundarymen (Andrew Daybell)|title=William Bragg of the Boundarymen (Andrew Daybell)|width=350|height=200}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Morgan Archer.jpg|title=Morgan Archer, House Talbot. Beater, hunter and game keeper.|caption=Morgan Archer (Judith Ressler)|width=220|height=200}}
== Aldermen and Townsfolk==
Many aldermen take great pride in their ceremonial chains of office, sometimes referred to as "Chains of Prosperity". Some go so far as to commission them as magical items, such as an [[Alderman's Edge]].
==Monks and friars==
==Monks and friars==
Monks and friars wear similar robes. A simple brown cassock works well but it might also be seen in black or  
Both male and female monks and friars wear traditional plain [[monk's habit]] either
grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is a popular choice.
in dark colours, or white with a dark [[scapular]].
 
A simple brown [[cassock]] works well but it might also be seen in black or  
<row-fluid>
grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is also a popular choice.
<span12>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks1.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=402|align=left}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesMonks2.jpg|title=TV Series: Cadfael|width=458|align=left}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>


==Landskeepers==
==Landskeepers==
Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but a jerkin, shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative. A landskeeper is well used to hard work in the fields and their look reflects that.
Some landskeepers wear [[robe]]s, similar to the monk, but a [[jerkin]], shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative. A landskeeper is well used to hard work in the fields and their look reflects that.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Landkeeper.jpg|width=402}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=Landkeeper.jpg|width=402|height=200}}


==Marcher children==
==Marcher children==
 
{{CaptionedImage|file=CM-130726-0034.jpg|width=187|height=200}}
<row-fluid>
{{CaptionedImage|file=MG0690.jpg|width=400|height=200}}
<span12>{{CaptionedImage|file=CM-130726-0034.jpg|width=187}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild4.jpg|width=187|height=200|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/childrenswear/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MG0690.jpg|width=400}}
{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesChild4.jpg|width=187|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/childrenswear/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
</span12>
</span12>
</row-fluid>
</row-fluid>

Revision as of 20:57, 24 April 2016

Overview

The Marches draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the War of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour.

The costume of the Marches has a 'solidity' to it, a worn, lived-in look that contrasts with its neighbour Dawn's high romance, gleaming plate and vivid hues. The Marches is Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V rather than Laurence Olivier’s.

Also see Marches costumes and Marches icons and artistry.

Breakdown

Feel

Gritty, solid, practical, traditional, mud, blood, green fields, rural, iron.

Influences

Wars of the Roses England, Rangers of Ithilien (Beaters), Cadfael (Monks and Landskeepers).

Materials

Wool, calico, linen, leather.

Marches colour scheme.png

Colours

Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached cloth. The palette is autumnal suggesting natural dull blues, greys, browns/ rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of the social scale. Wealthier Marchers may use deeper, brighter shades.


Clothing

Marchers favour plain clothes, simple hoods, hose and shirts. Wealthier characters might wear finer robes, cotehardies or a simple doublet, but even then plain wool or heavy linen will be more appropriate than fancy patterns or embroidery. Medieval re-enactments are a great source of inspiration for the look and feel of the Marches territories - although unlike history, its worth noting that Marches society is gender neutral.

Hose, either joined or split, are worn with braies and a long shirt. An extremely simple untailored cut for shirts fits the Marches very well: Full in the body and sleeve, possibly gathered at neck and wrist.

Doublets are popular in the Marches, a snug-fitting buttoned jacket that is shaped and fitted to the body. It can be worn over the shirt or under another layer of clothing. They tend to be short and simple – fancy slash work doesn't really fit the Marchers practical approach.

A woollen or heavy linen overdress such as a kirtle or cotehardie over a shirt is be a good alternative to shirts and hose. The look is long, lean and smooth and laced to fit. Back lacing shows higher status and gives a better line. Side lacing is more common. It would be rare to see a gathered skirt (common to Tudor kirtles) in the Marches.

Headwear is frequently worn, either a simple cap, or something like a hood and liripipe or chaperon.

Marchers have no pockets, so a pouch is invaluable – bollock or kidney pouches or leather bags are perfect. Belts are often very long, wrapped round, looped at the front and left to dangle.

The typical clothing of both male and femals monks and friars consists of a traditional plain monk's habit.

Weaponry

The classic Marcher fighting unit is a block of assorted polearms recruited from the yeomanry. Prosperous marchers often wear plate and wield great swords, poleaxes or hammers, shattering gaps open for the billfolk to exploit.

Bows, in particular longbows, are also a common sight among the Marchers units on the battlefield.

Armour

Padded gambesons or leather jacks are common for the poor, with a harness of plate for richer individuals. Households often wear matching livery coats, although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote affiliation. Jack chains over a gambeson are ideal for a Marcher yeoman.

Weapons

Bows are common. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and other pole-arms. Two handed swords are common for richer characters in heavier armour, as well as warhammers, maces or poleaxes. Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are typical: poleaxes, bills and other polearms are iconic; warhammers, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, and improvised weapons based on farm equipment are all carried by some.

Shields

Large shields are much less common than in other nations; shield-walls are seen as a tactic best left behind in Dawn. Marchers who have a good reason not to use a pole-arm or a great sword, such as martial Landskeepers fearing arrows, or skirmish groups protecting the flanks will often use a small buckler to go alongside their weapon of choice.

Marcher household

A prosperous Marcher household will wear often wear matching livery coats, although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote affiliation. Padded jacks are common for the poor with a plain harness of plate for wealthier individuals.

Balston Fighting.jpg
MarcherFamily.jpg


Yeomen

Poor Yeomen may wear just a plain coloured jack or padded gambeson as their only armour. Wealthier Yeomen usually have livery coats in their Household colours and mail or plate over the top if they have it.

Erwillian Mann.jpg
CullachMarching.jpg

Stewards

The head of a household, a steward, may wear richer colours, but most likely in home grown wool not rarer silk. Wealthy Marchers are often seen in full harness of plate in battle.

Film: Ironclad

Beaters

Beaters are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings. Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.

William Bragg of the Boundarymen (Andrew Daybell)
William Bragg of the Boundarymen (Andrew Daybell)
Morgan Archer, House Talbot. Beater, hunter and game keeper.
Morgan Archer (Judith Ressler)

Aldermen and Townsfolk

Many aldermen take great pride in their ceremonial chains of office, sometimes referred to as "Chains of Prosperity". Some go so far as to commission them as magical items, such as an Alderman's Edge.

Monks and friars

Both male and female monks and friars wear traditional plain monk's habit either in dark colours, or white with a dark scapular. A simple brown cassock works well but it might also be seen in black or grey. A more complex arrangement with dark scapular over white undergarments is also a popular choice.

Landskeepers

Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but a jerkin, shirt and hose, with rolled-up sleeves is just as good an alternative. A landskeeper is well used to hard work in the fields and their look reflects that.

Landkeeper.jpg

Marcher children

CM-130726-0034.jpg
MG0690.jpg

</span12> </row-fluid>

Things you're unlikely to see

  • Don't expect 'bling' in the Marches, even the wealthy are likely to be subtle - with wealth displayed in linings and button detail, not slashed sleeves, full gathered fabrics, or rich embroidery or brocade.
  • You won't find anyone worrying about hand stitching, whether that coat is too long for 1389 or what your underwear is made of. The Marches is a historically inspired culture, not a historically accurate one.
  • There are no modesty guidelines in the Marches and gender roles don't follow the historical pattern - long skirts and laced dresses are a choice made by some not an expectation of all.