Category: Facts

Medieval pattens

Medieval footwear had thin soles and pattens would give an extra protection against the cold, wet and dirt from the ground. Leather-cork pattern where at first for indoor use. Wood pattens would ease walking in wet dirt.

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The Arnolfini portrait by Jan van Eick shows us both versions: the wooden pattens (1) with street dirt stuck to them and the neatly put away leather pattens (2) at the foot of the bench.

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Pirate boots?

17th century soft riding boots
After a find from the Waddensee, nearby Groningen, Netherland

This would be the perfect boots for a pirate movie, but has anybody ever given a thought about the fact that horses where quite scarce on high sea and naval cavalry unheard of?

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