Deliberately Concealed Garments
Project
Graphical version
Repeat visit
Despite the fact that this term may conjure images of underwear, it is used to describe instances where items of clothing have been deliberately hidden or buried in a building. The evidence for this practice dates back to the Middle Ages.
Builders, owners or residents appear to have hidden clothing in the fabric of buildings, intentionally sealing the space afterwards. Garments have been discovered at a later time when changes are being made to a building. They have been found most commonly near entrance and exit points in buildings, for example windows or chimneys.
In some instances the hidden clothing has been found with other objects, concealed at the same or a later time, for example coins and documents.
Typically the garments that have been found are clothes that have been worn and used before they have been hidden.
The tradition of concealing clothing can be related to the practice of concealing other objects, such as dried cats, witches bottles, and charms in buildings. These types of object have been discovered hidden in similar places. The concealing of these items, including garments, can be related to folklore and superstitious traditions relating to the ritual protection of a household and its inhabitants.
What is the Deliberately Concealed Garments Project?
Learn more about the project and concealed garments
[top of page]
[choose another question]
Last updated: 21 August, 2002
Home | Search and explore | Site map | Contact us
About the project
Research
Articles
Case studies
Oral history
Glossary of terms
Useful resources
Further reading
Advice
Enquiries
Links
Accessibility
Copyright
Acknowledgements