SDO18138 - Poole Town Cellars, The Textiles

The textiles from the Poole Town Cellars excavations form a series of very interesting and well-defined groups, agreeing as far as can be seen with the proposed dating of the main deposits. The collections clearly suggest that the area was used at times during the 16th to 18th centuries for tailoring activities. The earliest collection, assigned to the 14th to 15th century, consists of only three items, two fragments of wool and a comfit-bag or purse of silk. This little bag, a well-constructed article, is decorated on both sides with identical embroidery decoration of (?) peacocks, tree with leaves and fruit and (?) flower and leaf sprays. The sides of the bag are joined by a tubular band. These little bags are usually described as “comfit bags” or bags for cosmetic accessories, with the leather lining this one could have been used as a purse. The two small fragments of wool found with this bag are suitable garment cloths. The 16th century collection is again small, four items, all from different fabrics. Parts of the mouth and one side of a larger bag was identified and is clearly a utilitarian object. The bag was undecorated and was either skin covered or fur lined. Two medium grade clothing fabrics were also identified – being of flax and wool respectively. A good quality dyed twill yarn was also identified, the pieces are probably adjoining scraps from a garment. The early 18th century group is again a mixed collection, including two ends of good quality silk ribbon, tied in a neat knot. These are clearly the product of a professional silk manufacturer. The mid-18th century collection includes a group of silk pieces that most definitely suggest a flourishing tailor’s workshop, prepared to deal with all matters of men’s dress. The probable 19th century material could be truly described as discarded rubbish.