Textiles in context: an analysis of archaeological textile finds from early 16th-century Groningen

Original Dutch text written by Hanna Zimmerman, translated by Dorothée Wortelboer, edited by Jane Malcolm-Davies

Book details:

• 176 full-colour pages
• Illustrated throughout with more than 280 photographs, diagrams and historic images
• Eight appendices
• Paperback
• 9in x 11in (20.5cm x 28cm)

Hundreds of textile fragments, and numerous partial garments and hats, were recovered from a section of moat in Groningen in the Netherlands that was constructed in 1575 and then used as a rubbish dump by the townspeople for 20 years before it was filled in.

The discarded 16th century textiles excavated in 1976-1977, 1984, 1995-1996 and 2000 included parts of doublets and bodices, stockings and hose, gloves and mittens, caps and hats, plus examples of trimmings and other embellishments. These finds shed light on historical clothing and the people who wore, made and mended them more than 400 years ago. Key discoveries among the finds are an unprecedented number of hose fragments and knitted items from the 16th century which provide a wealth of detail about their materials and construction.

This translation into English offers a new window on the waste from the city's old moat. It benefits from more high-quality photographs of the finds than the original book, including several never before published images. It also features other publications Hanna wrote about the finds for academic journals and conference proceedings.

This book is an excellent research tool for reenactors and other 16th century enthusiasts.