The Material Culture of a Late 14th C. Esquire on Campaign

[Jehan de Pelham]

In February 2004 I undertook to determine what the correct items for a late 14th Century member of the English Gentry were to have on or about him on campaign. The list as determined then was as follows, and this is how it stands now:

1. Arms.
a. Sword and Accessories
i. Arms and Armor Henry V Sword. Obtained, $498.
ii. Scabbard. Obtained, $85.
iii. Sword Belt and Hanger.

b. Sword of War
i. Next Generation Albion Mark "Baron." $1085 (up from $750 in 2004).
ii. Scabbard.

c. Poll Axe. Made. Materials cost $30, worth appox. $250 (note Arms and Armor Poll Axe worth $500).

d. Mace
i. Arms and Armor Iberian Mace. $138. (an old family treasure, I'll need to bury this in the yard for a couple of weeks)

e. Dagger
i. Arms and Armor Classic Medieval Dagger. $176.
ii. Scabbard. $15.

f. Arms for Men at Arms
i. Longbow, $50lb Pull, with 1 dozen arrows (need to increase), Obtained, $300.
ii. Tod's Stuff Late 14th Century War Bow, 250lb Pull with Goat's Foot and accessories, Ordered, $1300.

2. Armor. (All Historic Enterprises Armor is in Spring Steel)
a. Helmet.
i. Historic Enterprises Hounsdkull Bascinet. Obtained, $1325.
ii. Forth Armoury Riveted Camail. Obtained, $150 but no longer available

b. Spauders.
i. Historic Enterprises Spaudlers, Circa 1380. Obtained, $250.

c. Breastplate.
i. Historic Enterprises Breastplate, Italian Circa 1360-1415. Obtained, $600.

d. Gorget.
i. GAA Armories Gorget. $45.

e. Haubergeon.
i. Steve Forth Riveted Haubergeon. Obtained, $500.

f. Vambraces.
i. Historic Enterprises Vambraces, Italian Circa 1380, custom fans. Obtained, $680.

g. Cuisses and Greaves.
i. Historic Enterprises Cuisses w/ Custom Fitted Greaves 1390. Obtained, $2230.

h. Sabaton.
i. Obtained, Cet of Vulcan's Forge, $250.

i. Gauntlets.
i. John Gruber Hourglass Gauntlets, Spring Steel and Brass. Obtained, $600. (But he now knows what to charge for them, plus inflation so expect $800-$900)

3. Clothing.
a. Underwear
i. 13-14th Century Century Braies, 3 Pair. $30. Made by my wife. 2 Pair done so far.
ii. Revival Clothing 14th Century Shirt, 3. $135. 1 Obtained.

b. Outerwear
i. Historic Enterprises Herjolfsnes G63 Gown, Wool. Obtained, $200.
ii. Historic Enterprises Chausses, Wool, 3 Pair. Obtained, $120.
iii Historic Enterprises Chausses, Linen, 1 Pair. Obtained, $30.
iv. Revival Clothing Chausses, Linen, 1 Pair. Obtained, $43.
v. Historic Enterprises Cotehardie, Wool. $??. (Custom)
vi. Revival Clothing 14th Century Cotte, Blue Wool. $??. (Custom)
vii. Bocksten Tunics, Linen (red, mustard, and green-grey)--made by my wife. Obtained, $30

c. Head Coverings
i. Historic Enterprises Norlund Type II Hood, Dagged, Red. $45.
ii. Revival Clothing Linen Hood w/ Liripipe, Blue. Obtained, $37.
iii. Revival Clothing Linen Coif. $15.
iv. Historic Enterprises Early Medieval Coif. $12.

d. Footwear
i. Historic Enterprises Turnshoes. $85.

4. Clothing Accessories
a. Belts

b. Pouches
i. Historic Enterprises Kidney Pouch. $45.

c. Badges
i. Koln Dom Pilgrim's Badge. $25 and a trip to Koln in 2006.

d. Jewelry
i. 14th Century Spurs, Brass, Talbot's Fine Accessories. Obtained, $100
ii. Plaque Belt, Brass, White Bronze or Yellow Bronze. Obtained, $500 from Global effects.

e. Garters
i. Fettered Peacock Garters, Pewter Buckled. Obtained, $18.

5. Housing
a. Tents
i. Tentsmiths 13' x 19' Round End Marquee. Obtained, $1500 (ropes, poles and iron included).
ii. Tentsmiths 15' x 24' Round End Marquee. Ordered, $2000 (ropes, poles and iron included).

b. Awning
i. Tentsmiths 15’ Awning (12’ Tent Version). $250. Obtained.
ii. Tentsmiths Wall for 15’ Awning, 6’ Wall. $101.

6. Furniture
a. Chests and Boxes
i. Six Board Chests, 18"x36"x24", 3. $?? (Self-Made)

b. Bed
i. Ash Slat Bed, Sized for "full-sized" mattress. $?? (Self-Made)
ii. Linen Tick Mattress, "full-size." $?? (Self-Made)
iii. Pacific Coast "Somnus" full-size Feather-bed Mattress, covered with Linen. $109.
iv. Linen sheets, "full-size," 2. $?? (Self-Made)
v. Wool blankets, "full size," 3. $?? (Self-Made)

c. Chairs and Stools
i. Form Stool, 34" Long, 2. Obtained (Self-Made)
ii. Three Legged Stool, 2. $$?? (Self-Made)

d. Tables
i. Trestle Table, 24”x36”. $?? (Self-Made)
ii. Trestle Table, 24”x 48”. $?? (Self Made)

e. Lanterns
i. Historic Enterprises Brass Lantern with Horn Door, 2. Obtained, $50.

f. Weapons stand.

7. Tools and Implements
a. Fire Set.
i. Armlann Fire Set. $??
ii. Hanging Chains and Hooks. $??
iii. Iron Poker.

b. Bellows.
i. Historic Castings Bronze Bellows Nozzle. 15L.
ii. Bellows. $?? (Self-Made/Adapted)

c. Buckets.
i. Historic Enterprises Small Bucket. $30.
ii. Historic Enterprises Large Bucket, 2. $100.

d. Kitchen Tools.
i. Historic Enterprises Fork and Knife Set. $55.
ii. Cooking Pots
1. Historic Castings 1/2G Cast Iron Cauldron. 78L.
2. Historic Castings 2G Cast Iron Cauldron. 130L.
3. Historic Castings Large Three Legged Pan. 100L.
4. Historic Castings Pot Hangers, 2. 90L.
iii. Historic Enterprises Footed Ceramic Cauldron w/ Lid. $65.
iv. Water Storage (one of the following)
i. Beaver Buckets Wine Keg, 5G capacity. $350.
ii. Frontier America Cedar Water Barrel, 4 1/2G capacity. $100.
iii. Frontier America Oak Water Keg, Paraffin Lined, 5G capacity. $93.
v. Kitchen Washtub
i. Frontier America Trading Pine Tub. $45.

e. Sewing Kit.
i. Historic Enterprises Sewing Kit. $89.

f. Table Setting.
i. Billy and Charlie's Beakers, 2. $90. 1 Obtained.
ii. Billy and Charlie’s Pewter Trenchers, 2. $50.
iii. Steve Millingham's Pewter Replicas Maidenhead Spoons, 2. 10L
iv. Knife Set by Aaron Schnatterly. $I cannot remember but quite a lot.
v. Silver Ewer.
vi. Serving Platters, Pewter, 2.
vii. Table Linens, for 24" x 36" Table.
viii. Table Linens, for 24" x 48" Table.

g. Table Settings.
i. Billy and Charlie's Salt Cellar. $50.
ii. Historic Castings Bronze Chafing Dish. 110L
h. Fire-starting Kit
i. Flint and Striker.
ii. Small Wooden Box.
iii. Tow.

h. Wood Chopping Implements
i. Gransfors Bruk 4 Lugged Chopping Axe. Obtained, $380
ii. Barrow. $?? (Self-Made) [/b]

[b]i. Personal Hygeine Items
i. Wash Basin, Copper. Obtained.[/b]
ii. Ewer, Pewter.
iii. Mirror, Polished Silver, 4" x 8" or there-abouts.
iv. Historic Enterprises Cosmetic Tool. $6.
v. Razor, Iron. $??
vi. Soap-cakes. $??
vii. Rags, Linen, 12" x 12", 4. $?? (Self-Made)

k. Armor Repair Implements
i. Small iron anvil, 6" x 6" x 4". $??
ii. Small leather mallet, wood handle. $??
iii. Leather hole punches, 3 and 5mm. $??
iv. Pre-cut leather thongs. $10
v. Oil rag. $??
vi. Oil bottle. http://www.medievaldesign.com/ceramiche/bottle.jpg 22 Euro

l. Writing Implements, Correspondence Tools
i. Ten sheets parchment. $??
ii. Goose feather quill. $??
iii. Sealing wax. $??
iv. Bottle of Iron Gall Ink. $??
v. Scrip to contain it. http://www.medievaldesign.com/accessori ... anebig.jpg 15 Euro

8. Accessories
a. Games and Amusements
i. Backgammon Set, Walnut, Oak, and Rosewood with horn dice. Obtained. (Self-Made)
ii. Cambor Soapstone Chess Set. $80.

b. Coinage
i. More reproduction coin than I can easily count.

I am going to recreate this thread because the original post was lost in some kind of forum corruption. See Material Culture of a Late 14th Century Esquire on Campaign V2 here:

Until I get permission to make my thread in the "I Wanna Be" Forum, I will use this space as a placeholder for what I am writing:

I posted this thread in February 2004--ten years ago--just after I had read The Hard Edge by Michael Woodford. I had the extreme good luck to have met Sean Garrison, and had just entered into service with Haus Atzinger about two months prior. I was a member of what I consider an "apex" SCA group--The Brotherhood of the Gauntlet. I was ready to explore new frontiers, however, because the Brotherhood of the Gauntlet was as many well-put together SCA groups are--a mashup of medievaloid and modern equipment and sensibilities. It was a bold plan, and after some hard work, searching, drama, and expenditure of money, I realized most of my goals.

The following is an attempt to put together a list of the material items necessary to execute a credible portrayal of a not especially well off member of the gentry of England, circa 1380-1390. I will detail clothing, armor, weapons, furniture, camp equipment, and shelter in an attempt to provide a guide for those wishing to set out on this journey themselves.

The over-riding principle of this journey is to avoid saying you are portraying something you are not, to the best of your ability. There will be some things that you cannot have--for example, in my case, because of my mobile lifestyle and lack of control over my circumstances, it is impossible for me to include what would have been as basic a thing as a car or motorcycle is today: a horse. I can ride however, at least a little, though, if the case arose. Another example is the ubiquitous use of colored linens as outerlayers. I don't have any evidence that this was done in practice. In fact, flax thread takes dye poorly and so the jewel-toned linens often seen in medieval camps seems very unlikely, though it seems logical to use it given the heat that must be endured in many places. The idea is to do what you can and accept what you cannot, admit it, and reconcile when possible.

Another important principle is that developing a gentry-level kit is developmental, unless you are just wealthy enough to have money enough to simply buy it whole. Even then, there are significant problems with sourcing the proper material culture. There are many things that are just not available. There are obviously parts of it that lend themselves to treatment sooner than later, and I would recommend that as you move toward a portrayal of a member of the gentry, you should also move through portrayals as servant, soldier, gentleman, and finally armed esquire and leader of a retinue. Parts of your kit that you used at one point will be lent or given to others in various stages in their own development. You will also find these "commoner" kits to be useful during setup and breakdown or while doing camp chores.

So, with these two principles in mind, let's proceed with the first step.

First Portrayal: Servant to an Ecuyer

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Clothing: One set of clothes, with two sets of underclothes.

Option 1. Historic Enterprises ( http://historicenterprises.com/ )

Package, 14th Century, Underwear, Basic: $70 (Includes Shirt and Braies)

Outfit, 14th Century Tunic, Complete, Linen: $185 (Includes Shirt, Braies, Chausses, Tunic)
or Outfit, 14th Century Tunic, Complete, Wool: $205 (Includes Shirt, Braies, Chausses, Tunic)

Hood, Plain Edge late 14th C./early 15th C. Wool: $45
or Hat, Medieval Felt: $22

Belt, Leather: $75-$100 depending on options selected

Shoes, Poulaines: $150

Kidney Pouch: $45
or Bag, Forage or Pilgrim's: $25

SubTotal: $527 to $615

Option 2. Revival Clothing ( http://www.revivalclothing.com/ )

14th or 15th Century Braies: $47 or $40 each, x2 = $94 to $80
14th Century Heavyweight or Lightweight Shirt: $75 to $100 each, x2 = $150 to $200

Gaston Phebus Tunic in Linen*: $100-125
or Gaston Phebus Tunic in Wool: $135
or 14th Century Linen Cotte: $170 to $200

Linen Medieval Chausses*: $60
or Wool Medieval Chausses: $60

Short Tailed Linen Hood*: $50
or Wool Hood or Chaperone: $75

Talbot's Premium Simple Thin Leather Belt: $35 to $45
or Talbot's Decorated Thin Leather Belt: $60

Revival Leather 14th Century Low Boot: $80 ( http://revival.us/14thcenturyshoes.aspx )
or Talbot's Premium Medieval Turnshoes: $100

Talbot's Premium Medieval Kidney Pouch with Buckle: $35

SubTotal: $590 to 789

Armor: None

Weapons: None

Furniture: None

Camp Equipment: Bowl, Spoon, Cup. Ask around for the right shapes--do your homework and buy right. I found this lady here; some of her stuff is proper, some is not: http://jeannewoodpottery.com/ These are delightful wood articles: http://www.robin-wood.co.uk/product-cat ... ls-plates/

SubTotal: $Depending on how you source it, probably $50 to $100

Shelter: You are dependent on others at this stage, but at the least you should have a small canvas tarp, a stick, and a pair of thick wool blankets.

Subtotal: $Depending on how you source it, probably $100+

TOTAL: $725-$1000

This of course supposes that you purchase everything, or that you have no access to sewing or anyone who does, or have no ability to barter or otherwise provide services or goods or worth to anyone beyond currency.

* Regarding Linen, I have no evidence that linen was used as an outer layer in the 14th century. This is a concession to heat, and likely not correct.

Best,

John

Jehan de Pelham, ecuyer
Compaignye du Chalis

[Uryen]

You dont have to try to pull off doing LH all by yourself you know
Get together with a group and pool resources, buy what the group needs for a camp, and you wont be wasting resources on things somebody also has.
Another good thing of a group is that others have different skills that you. Between the group you may be able to make many items that you then dont have to buy.

What you can buy usually limits what you can portray anyway. The group I belong to is my own group, ie. started and run by me, yet I am not the Banneret or even a knight in the group, because I can not afford to portray it correctly.

[^]

couple of horses and maybe a cart and all the stuff that goes with them. And probobly a flint and striker.

Brent

[Jehan de Pelham]

Uryen: Yes, agreed. But it's incumbent upon me, as an esquire, to have certain material goods, to provide some basic support for the group. I believe that the head of a retinue should do certain things, that's all. The other members (most likely archers or men at arms, or camp followers) will have burdens of their own. If I can provide a kitchen and a loaner tent for two other folks, then that's a good thing, in my mind.

Peder: Ah, yes. Hooved dogs. Very nice. Let me ask my wife if we can have them. She says "If I clean up after them."

A wood cart is not a bad idea though, and I love horses, but I and my wife have been hampered by an unequestrian upbringing. I realize this impedes the portrayal, but I'll address it later, if at all.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

<<skips off singing "I Want a Belgian Hobby Horse for Christmas.">>

[James of York]

Jehan, I can not offer you any advice or guidance for I am just embarking on my quest for greater authenticity as a 14C Englishman as well, unfortunately money is the ristriction now. . I love the list you have made and it would be great if you could start a website of your kit refurbishment from start to finish. good luck and have fun!!!

[Jehan de Pelham]

When I began thinking this through, I had initially said that I would do exactly that: detail the transformation of an SCA-oriented kit to a kit that can be interchangeably used at either living history gatherings/events or SCA events.

I will make an essay of it, and detail what I had, and what I end up with. I think it will be of interest to others.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

[Tracy Justus]

I suggest you consult some lists compiled by living history groups, such as La Belle Compagnie and The Company of Saynt George. They begin with the micro- that is, what one would wear and carry on his person- and go on to the macro- what would complete the environment, depending on what environment is being created. This chops your list up into more managable pieces and will give you a better idea of priorities.

Clare

[Jehan de Pelham]

Very sensible advice. Thank you.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

[T. Finkas]

Suggested addition to list: repro of period wheelbarrow

[Thaddeus]

Water Barrels.

[Jeff J]

Pretty comprehensive list of good stuff.

I'd add pitchers, ewer, serving platters, assorted bottles, carving knives, table linens, A dozen servants, washtub...

[Jehan de Pelham]

A dozen servants on campaign, you say? It seems a bit much, but what positions in an esquire's retinue do you think would be appropriate? I realize that by discussing this we are moving out of the realm of the material culture appropriate for a gen d'arms of the rank of esquire and into the retinue, but I'm interested. I can imagine a cook, a valet, a groom, but what others? I imagine some or all were optional.

I agree on the pitchers and serving platters. Probably one pitcher and two serving platters. Everything else can be served from the pot.

On the bottles, do you suggest leathern bottles of some type, or glass, or some other material, and why?

Table linens seems a bit on the "nice to have" side, but sure, I can see it.

Regarding washtubs, what size and material? Do you mean a tub for personal washing, with a cloth of some sort, or do you mean a large tub for immersion? I have a two gallon copper basin, now. Of course I would like to know if it is proper. I do not have a photograph of it, but here are some examples that I found by a quick web search, which are similar:

http://www.martinsbyhand.com/garden/wash.htm

or

http://www.american-in-paris-antiques.com/m-1.html (Brass)

The one I have is round with a flat bottom.

Has anyone run across a list of items expected to be in the use of an esquire while on campaign, or is this ultimately an exercise in guesswork?

Jehan de Pelham, squire to Sir Vitus

[chef de chambre]

A dozen servants on campaign, you say? It seems a bit much, but what positions in an esquire's retinue do you think would be appropriate? I realize that by discussing this we are moving out of the realm of the material culture appropriate for a gen d'arms of the rank of esquire and into the retinue, but I'm interested. I can imagine a cook, a valet, a groom, but what others? I imagine some or all were optional.

I agree on the pitchers and serving platters. Probably one pitcher and two serving platters. Everything else can be served from the pot.

On the bottles, do you suggest leathern bottles of some type, or glass, or some other material, and why?

Table linens seems a bit on the "nice to have" side, but sure, I can see it.

Regarding washtubs, what size and material? Do you mean a tub for personal washing, with a cloth of some sort, or do you mean a large tub for immersion? I have a two gallon copper basin, now. Of course I would like to know if it is proper. I do not have a photograph of it, but here are some examples that I found by a quick web search, which are similar:

http://www.martinsbyhand.com/garden/wash.htm

or

http://www.american-in-paris-antiques.com/m-1.html (Brass)

The one I have is round with a flat bottom.

Has anyone run across a list of items expected to be in the use of an esquire while on campaign, or is this ultimately an exercise in guesswork?

Jehan de Pelham, squire to Sir Vitus

Regarding the servants - even middle class people who were tradesmen, or craft people had them - heck, even modest yeomen farmers had them. They were your dishwasher and washer-drier, or your roto tiller if you were a blue nailed tiller of the soil.

Without at least a valet or groom, you hardly have the pretension to be a gentleman, even on campaign. Said valet or groom would be a part of your riding retinue, and would likely in the case of a small household such as represented by a gentlemans riding retinue would be expected to fight if necessary. An esquire, in late medieval England is a personage of substance, being above the normal 'gentlemen' - they were expected to have 20 pound sterling and more income a year.

You don't have a 'table' without linens - in late Medieval etiquette, the cloth covering is far more important than the wooden framework sitting under it. You could lay out a respectable table on a pine board with a few sawhorses - the gentleman was not judged by the quality of his furniture (which was considered a prop), but on the quality of his linen and plate.

Someone who was an esquire wouldn't be getting away with earthenware or stoneware for his table, you ought have at least pewterware sitting before you (on campaign), and more likely real silver - a ewer and bowl for washing, a ewer for pouring your wine, and a chalice, bowl, or flagon to drink from, a trencher, and a knife and spoon - plus a salt, would really be the minimum you would be expected to live with. Without these, you have no presence of what you are supposed to be - even the middle classes in the third estate aped the ceremony and tools used in formal dining of their 'betters'.

The thing to keep in mind is that in the Medieval mindset, the ceremony, and keeping up appearances is what is important. They took and used things 'in the field' we would never consider today - because these things were neccessary to maintain ones station.

Like I said, and Esquire (not a squire) is a personage of dignity and importance in Late Medieval England - they had more show, ceremony, and social importance than the common Militaes who originally came over with Guillaume le Batard. A lot of people seem unaware of how great in importance the ranks of Knight, and Esquire became in Late Medieval England, and the incomes and land such people had - as the class shrank, they grew in wealth. By the late 15th century, there were 100 knights on average in England at any given time (treble or quadruple the number of full fleged esquires), and the remaining bulk of the second estate being simple 'gentlemen'. Most people think 'esquire' for what they would like to portray, but imagine the lower ranks of the gentry when they think of the equipment they would have had.

[Jehan de Pelham]

This is all very good to read, and useful in the extreme.

Regarding the financial worth of esquires, surely, they were quite well to do. An esquire worth 30L per year would be worth 15 3/4d per day, about fifteen times the rate per day of an unskilled laborer, or in today's terms, if we're willing to stretch all bounds of accuracy and SWAG it with the conceit that such a laborer would be a person making minimum wage ($5.15/hr) today, we're talking about an esquire pulling in in excess of $165,000 per year. I personally am not there, yet.

As I look at the money situation and guess at the pay rates of valets, grooms, butlers, and so forth, as compared to the income an esquire was supposed to be worth (20L to L40L or 3840d to 7680d, per annum, then of course his 2d a day, and any spoils, bringing it to 4570d to 8410d per year), of course these servants would be along. In an essay I read recently regarding the regulation of coats of arms ( http://www.heraldica.org/topics/britain/england1.htm ) it says that Sir John Fortescue (1394-1476) noted that 5L per year was "fair living for a Yeoman." In that era, where 1/3 or more of Europe became part of the landscape, to be living, healthy, and obtaining wages at all was excellent. But in any case, it looks like the cost of such labor would be 1d per day ( http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/ecipa/arch ... -00-03.pdf ), or 365d per year, quite reasonable even to those esquires barely making it into the rank. How to depict these servants, however? I could probably obtain the services of some employees at a low rate of daily pay from a local temp service and dress them in livery, which would be quite suitable, as my portrayal of a man of Gaunt's retinue would have access to many such people. Or, better of course, because that suggestion is silly, have some civilian kit ready to loan to folks interested in coming out and seeing what goes on. How do you portray or see such servants portrayed in living history events?

Regarding the table setting, I was being a bit conservative from ignorance, but I love silver and fine linens, and so does my wife. She honestly truly prefers pewter and metallic table settings as they are less fragile. I am curious as to why a sutler like Black Swan for example offers so much in the stoneware side and no pewter, though. Perhaps this is merely a difference in what they can produce or offer and their personal kit.

As for the linens, what solutions have you seen people use? I know that some time ago we saw some excellent linens shown here ( http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/ ... ht=#200878 ), do you perceive that as the status quo or was this particularly rich? We see in the illustration that the table settings appear to be gold or gold plate, so perhaps it is.

I continue to seek some documents from perhaps the estate of an esquire, which should not be hard to find, which will show me the true state of affairs as regards the potentially extensive baggage train of even an esquire on campaign. How many waggons of impedimentia a gentleman of that rank deigned to carry with him into battle is a matter of keen interest to me. Of course one does not carry the full measure of one's estate with one into war, but at least the full estate will show the bewildering array of minute posessions.

I thank you for the things to think about, and look forward to more such discussion, which I think is worthwhile.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

[kiltedwolf]

Question: where is the Cast Iron campware available from? That's my current quest!

[James the Baker]

Holy crap Jake,is that you mi amigo
James

[Jehan de Pelham]

You may go here and obtain cooking implements made of cast iron or bronze: http://www.historiccastings.co.uk/

They are Mary Rose Replicas. In the absence of 14th century replicas, I deem them suitable for use, unless someone can direc t me to a craftsman making 14th century replicas cooking pots.

Also, cast iron instead of the more likely bronze, because.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

[Jeff J]

Also, cast iron instead of the more likely bronze, because.

Ya, there is a danger with poisonous copper oxide coming from bronze that if not properly kept or if acidic materials. If you really wanted the bronze, there is the option of having the pots tinned on the inside. I've been told that using tinned pots actually makes food tast better than iron.

BTW, I really respect your commitment on this, and all comments are intended solely in the spirit of helpfulness. Welcome to the world of the fussy & obsessive!

[T. Finkas]

In the absence of servants, consider having peasant togs to change into for all the grunt work (i.e. setting up camp, chopping fire wood, cooking, cleaning dishes). That's what my fellows and I have done on occasion. We each have 2 personnae, a coarser one and a more gentle one.

Cheers,
Tim Finkas

[Charlotte J]

i. Historic Enterprises Herjolfsnes G63 Gown, Linen. $160.
ii. Historic Enterprises Chausses, Linen, 3 Pair. $90.
iii. Historic Enterprises Cotehardie. $200.
iv. Revival Clothing 14th Century Cotte, Blue Linen. $160.

Wow, what a great list! Looks like it'll be my new shopping/project list...

Just some thoughts to the clothing. Would an esquire have worn silk while on campaign? Otherwise, I would lean toward using wool as opposed to linen for the Cotehardie, Cotte, and Gown.

I understand linen as a concession to heat, but very lightweight wools are available. (Although, choosing a lightweight wool or appropriate silk would probably mean that the item couldn't be easily purchased.)

-Charlotte

[Jehan de Pelham]

Jeff, I'll have to examine the possibility of having some bronze utensils tinned. You wouldn't happen to know anyone who is into tinning, would you? I know that there was some discussion earlier regarding tinning the interior of a brigandine armor. It sounds like it is a process that is do-able with some trouble, but perhaps easier to compensate someone else to do, especially if it's something they know how to do well.

Thanks for the respect, though I still haven't heard from you what kind of washtub you're suggesting: a wash basin, a dish sink, or a bathtub! Which one? : )

Tim, yep, that sounds like the way I'm going to go. I have already made references here and elsewhere about the poor quality of my "retainers." ; ) That said, I intend at some later time to have some clothing items for folks who wish to come along. Wanna play, don't have any kit? Fine, you're hired help until you can work up an archer or other kit. Pull that rope, tote that wood, drink that ale.

Charlotte, I have two pair of woolen chausses from Gwen now, I have to look into whether they're the jersey wool or the bias-cut--I believe she has only recently jumped over to bias cut, so I may need to get more/new. I was going with linen as a heat consideration, as you correctly surmised. I am sure that Gwen would consider making any of those items which she ordinarily makes or has made in linen or wool, in silk. I don't know what manner of custom considerations Revival Clothing would entertain, and at what cost. Of course, I would have to ask and I would want to be sure that the silk was a correct kind of silk, and the correct finish. The price considerations may be the trump, as well as the availability. I am assured by correspondences both that linen is fine, and accurate, and that a gentleman of the rank of esquire would be decked in all manner of furs and silks, perhaps even especially on campaign. It is hard to understand where the best path is.

Regarding the Herjolfsnes gown, the name seems to indicate that it is not an English article of clothing, I'll have to take a look at this and consider it.

Bottom line, I chose linen because that's what was offered and available. And I plan on doing most of my interpretation in the eight warmer months.

Thanks everyone for the discussion, it's been good to have something to come here and see every day, as relates to this rather large undertaking.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

P.S.: I broke the news to my wife about wanting a horse. Someday. She looked at me, said, "You're 32. In some years you're due for your mid life crisis. But until then, no." I sighed with relief, at least she has a sense of humor about it. And besides, I know enough about horses to know the time and effort that goes into them enough to respect it. One step at a time.

[Jeff J]

Jeff, I'll have to examine the possibility of having some bronze utensils tinned. You wouldn't happen to know anyone who is into tinning, would you? I know that there was some discussion earlier regarding tinning the interior of a brigandine armor. It sounds like it is a process that is do-able with some trouble, but perhaps easier to compensate someone else to do, especially if it's something they know how to do well.

Thanks for the respect, though I still haven't heard from you what kind of washtub you're suggesting: a wash basin, a dish sink, or a bathtub! Which one? : )

I've been working on a tinning setup, but it's only going to be able to handle shallow plates, so I won't be able to do kettles. However, since tin does make better tasting food than the better heat-conducting iron and copper, there is a commercial demand for it. A quick Google on "Tinning cookware" turned up places like these:

http://www.metalcoatingcompany.com/copper.html
http://www.retinning.com/

Regarding the washtub, one tub can do multiple jobs, but I'd like to see you fit into one of the small ones you linked to! They did have the big wooden multi-person hot tubs though. There's a n illustration of a fellow sitting in a big one, being served dinner - Luxury!

[Charlotte J]

Oooh! Medieval hot-tubbing! That would be fun in the off-topics board...

I am assured by correspondences both that linen is fine, and accurate, and that a gentleman of the rank of esquire would be decked in all manner of furs and silks, perhaps even especially on campaign. It is hard to understand where the best path is.

Jehan:

I don't want to steal your thread, but if you have any references to linen used as anything other than an underlayer, I'd love it if you could send me those privately.

Thanks!
Charlotte

[kass]

Oooh! Medieval hot-tubbing! That would be fun in the off-topics board...

Naughty girl...

Jeff: Finally met Char by the way. You should see when she and Tasha activate their wonder twin powers.

Sorry. Can't explain it. Sworn never to tell...

Kass

[Charlotte J]

Jeff: Finally met Char by the way. You should see when she and Tasha activate their wonder twin powers.

Sorry. Can't explain it. Sworn never to tell...

Kass

I knew I could trust you...

Either way, it would probably make his head explode...



-Charlotte

[Jeff J]

Oooh! Medieval hot-tubbing! That would be fun in the off-topics board...

No reason not to discuss it here. There are group hot-tubs pics too - doing so unclad is period.

Wonder-twin powers... Y'all are a bunch of teases... [sulk] [mope]

[FrauHirsch]

Cards, dice, reproduction gambling funds.

Letter writing supplies.

Appropriate baskets, bags and chests to carry the gear.

-J

[kass]

No reason not to discuss it here. There are group hot-tubs pics too - doing so unclad is period.

Yeah! Hey! We could protray the Bohemian Bathhouse Babes from the Maj Bible!

Kass

[Jeff J]

Yeah, good one, Frau. And backgammon and chessboards.

And money to loose and win.

And books to read to show you are cultured, and writing stuff, and small boxes to keep things in

And spurs. And riding boots to wear with the spurs

A while ago over on Firestryker, Chef posted the household inventory of John Howard, a knight who later became Duke of Norfolk (fact-check). Anyways, That might be useful in populating your inventory.

[Karen Larsdatter]

Regarding the washtub, one tub can do multiple jobs, but I'd like to see you fit into one of the small ones you linked to! They did have the big wooden multi-person hot tubs though. There's a n illustration of a fellow sitting in a big one, being served dinner - Luxury!

I think it would be not unreasonable to assume that a travelling gentleman of arms of the late 14th century might have engaged the services of bathhouses for far less than it would take to lug a big ol' bathtub around amongst one's baggage, even if his wife thought it unseemly. See A Look Back: Steamy Encounters for a brief description of medieval bathhouses and the many sorts of activities that went on there.

In any case, I've got a page with links to pictures & information about baths (largely 14th & 15th century western European contexts) at http://geocities.com/karen_larsdatter/baths.htm.

Perhaps, if the gentleman required washing while out travelling, and there were no bathhouses in the vicinity, his wife (or, more reasonably, a servant) could douse him in water from a bucket, as an illustration in the Wenceslas Bible shows (late 14th century, though the women in the illustrations seem to be employed at a bathhouse).

[Jehan de Pelham]

I have edited the first post somewhat to include some items which have been suggested by others, and inspired by my own looking into these matters of the peripheral items. Something I have not addressed at all yet is the matter of bed clothes, for example. Linen I assume, as fine as I can get it, and woolen blankets? What about a pillow? A linen sack with goose down?

The clothing I have changed to all wool. I do not know if silk is practical. Perhaps one ensemble in silk, the remainder in the finest wool I can afford.

Cards, as I understand are dated back to 1376 or thereabouts. I don't know if Jehan de Pelham, esquire, is going to be a card playing fellow or not, but Backgammon and Chess is more likely. Besides, nobody has any idea what form the cards would take, nor what games would be played. Seems a good thing to leave well enough alone.

Coins have proved problematic. I can easily find the silver groats dated somewhat later than the late 14th century, and anglo saxon coins of a few centuries earlier, but am having trouble finding a sutler who carries coins which would have been used in the late 14th century. If anyone runs across something suitable I would be well pleased to obtain two or three pound sterling of them, in pennies and shillings, for gambling purposes. And of course a little coffer to keep them in, with pouches also.

Baskets and such, yes, yes. Those will come as I obtain the items, so I can understand what is required. The six six-board chests will carry much of what I have listed, and small boxes and baskets and sacks within will contain the smaller items.

Books? Hmmm. I suppose, but they will largely sit unread, unless it be that some clerk or other learned person come by and read it aloud to me and some other such fellows interested in listening to a tale, for Jehan de Pelham, esquire, doesn't read much unless it's some business contract, or some such thing that is required for making money, or seeing to his affairs, while on campaign. Reading is something you do alone in your home. When you are out doing such things as making war, you spend time with your peers.

Letter writing items, yes, of course, to maintain correspondences with home and other gentlemen. Who is making medieval paper these days? Is a silver pen appropriate, or a goose quill, or wood? I understand that "pen knives" were used to keep medieval pens sharp, and that wood was used, but what about these other materials?

Jeff, I will check on this inventory of Sir John Howard that you mention. I think it will be quite useful.

This has been entertaining, and useful. I thank you all for your input, and in some cases, imagery. ; )

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

[Karen Larsdatter]

Cards, as I understand are dated back to 1376 or thereabouts. I don't know if Jehan de Pelham, esquire, is going to be a card playing fellow or not, but Backgammon and Chess is more likely. Besides, nobody has any idea what form the cards would take, nor what games would be played. Seems a good thing to leave well enough alone.

Cards appear later in England than they do elsewhere in Europe. Jehan de Pelham, esquire, would probably refer to a game of backgammon as "playing at (the) tables" (as described in a description of a gambling-house in which the games are fixed, ca. 1375-6; Margaret Paston uses the same name for it in a letter describing the Christmastime activities of a widowed neighbor).

You might want to read over this article on The Game of Tables.

Did I already post a link to my webpage with links to pictures of period gaming equipment & depictions of games-players? I probably did. From what I can tell, I think it would be reasonable to assume that Jehan de Pelham, esquire, would probably have owned ivory chesspieces, likely carved in Paris. Check out this ivory chess knight, ca. 1370. But whether he brought his ivory chess-set with him while out on campaign may be another matter entirely.

There are different sorts of games that Jehan's servants would have played -- Hazard, for example, would be the sort of diversion that they might engage in while their master wasn't looking, and there are several places online that carry reasonably good repros of period-style dice, which you'd need for playing at tables, anyway.

Coins have proved problematic (...) am having trouble finding a sutler who carries coins which would have been used in the late 14th century.

Have you seen Museum Reproductions?

Letter writing items, yes, of course, to maintain correspondences with home and other gentlemen. Who is making medieval paper these days? Is a silver pen appropriate, or a goose quill, or wood? I understand that "pen knives" were used to keep medieval pens sharp, and that wood was used, but what about these other materials?

There was a Compleat Anachronist a few years ago on letter-writing that you might want to read -- "Yours Whilst Life Swayeth in Mine Inward Parts: Letters in Late Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and Renaissance" -- there's a version of it at http://people.cornell.edu/pages/heb4/ca112.doc, but I think that was an early draft (and does not include the illustrations, etc., which, among other things, show how letters are folded in different eras). You might also want to look at John the Artificer's Art Supplies.

[Gabriel Morgan]

This is an absolutely fascinating topic and discussion. Thank you, Jehan, for posting, and thanks to all who have contributed. I am currently in the beginning stages of doing the same thing, constructing a full hard/soft/camp kit for a late 14th century esquire, and this is mana from heaven.

Please - more!

My only contribution - I see you haven't listed a place to get pewter bowls or ewers. The closest thing I've found are the Carson Statesmetal collections seen at:

http://www.foxrivertraders.com/PROD32.HTM

Safe to eat off of, and at least the bowls would probably pass muster. I'll let others more knowledgable comment on the goblets and pitchers.

<edited to correct the timeperiod>

[Karen Larsdatter]

I'll let others more knowledgable comment on the goblets and pitchers.

I'd posted this information as an offline message to Jehan, but since others might like to see this too ...

Billy and Charlie carry a pewter beaker based off of those seen in illustrations from a version of the Decameron illustrated around 1432 (coincidentally, the illustration I use for my avatar lately is one of the illustrations upon which their beaker is based).

There are several silver goblets in the Louvre, dated to the 14th and 15th centuries, which are shaped similarly to the Billy & Charlie beaker, including:
Silver goblet, made between 1300 and 1350
Pair of silver goblets, made between 1400 and 1420

There are also some slightly fancier silver goblets in this general style:
14th century silver goblet with silver-gilt band
Silver goblet, made between 1480 and 1520, with floral decoration
Silver goblet, made between 1480 and 1520, with a decoration like a belt
Silver goblet from the monastery of Saint-Hubert with an inscription

Another option I'd mentioned was glassware; we'd bought ours from The Northerner, but many of the ones they sell are continental (quite a lot of it is either German or Scandinavian); I'm not sure how many of them would have been commonly seen in England at that time.

There's also flagons, as a possibility, but the only ones (solidly based on medieval examples) that I know of for sale at the moment are the ones that Steve Millingham makes. Flagons seem to be used for containing drinks at the table, like the plastic pitcher of Pepsi that the Pizza Hut waitress leaves at your table so you can refill your own glass, but I'm not entirely sure; flagons appear in addition to smaller goblets or beakers in some illustrations, but I haven't found any written references to how they're incorporated into the setting of a table, so there is also the possibility that they were a common shared drinking-vessel instead of just a covered jug for drinks to be poured from. There are some 14th century illustrations of flagons, some of which can be seen in The life and miracles of St. Louis and the Queen Mary Psalter, but there's a bunch more that I've linked from here.

I'd also strongly recommend reading The Babees' Book for a better understanding of proper etiquette.

[Jehan de Pelham]

The Babees' Book is very worthy, if only for the clear description of the different kinds of servitors and retainers that gentlemen could call upon.

Gabriel, you are in a kind of hell that I would not like to be in. The difficulties of trying to do what I am doing with a 13th century counterpart is quite a bit harder. I am forced to fudge a lot, even in an environment where educated people are not in short supply, because so little remains of late 14th century material culture, and because sutlers offering proper kit are few--I must imagine that trying it in the 13th century must be a hard road.

On the statesmetal pewter, I'm going to try and stay away from it unless there really is no alternative, and if I do go with it for any reason, it will be the peices which most closely match a 14th century illustration or find. Thanks for the link, though--everything is useful.

Jehan de pelham, squire of Sir Vitus