Welcome

 Welcome to the journal for Howards’ Renaissance Dress. We hope to share with you some of the rich history of the English Renaissance, including style of dress, customs, art, literature, science, and of course, the people, that characterized this rebirth of the human spirit in England.

When one hears the word Renaissance, they usually think first of Italy, because of the great artists, Michaelangelo and Da Vinci, but the English Renaissance centered mostly around literature and music, along with some note-worthy achievements in scientific, philosophical, and theological thought.

The English Renaissance saw the beginnings of modern capitalism, with the advent of the hugely profitable trading enterprises, such as the Muscovy, East India and West India companies. The English dominance of the seas had been made possible by the advances in ship-building techniques begun by Henry VIII, and then furthered by the decision of Elizabeth I, to enter into exploration of the New World, which, with a few exceptions, had been previously dominated, almost entirely by the Spanish.

The English Renaissance mode of dress, although influenced by other countries, developed into a unique style, often referred to as Elizabethan dress. Beginning with Henry VIII, clothing, especially for the upper classes, became much more elaborate, much more distinctly English, and was viewed as a major symbol of one’s nobility, wealth, and power.

We will be exploring these, and many other topics, in our continuing research into this fascinating period of English history. We welcome all comments. Please feel free to share your knowledge and opinions by adding your contributions to our journal.

Thank you for visiting our site. We hope you will return often.

For quality and custom made Renaissance clothing: Howards’ Renaissance Dress Shoppe

For more English Renaissance dress information visit: Howards’ Renaissance Dress