Who Was Greensleeves? An Extraordinary Reconstruction of Her Clothes

Presented here is a most curious and diverting account, wherein the garments of the mysterious Lady Greensleeves are re-imagined and faithfully restored. This chronicle, told in divers chapters and accompanied by fitting demonstrations, reveals not merely the fashion of her attire, but the very spirit of an age.

From the smock of silk adorned with blackwork embroidery, to the petticoat bodies and grassy-green gown, from ruff and garter to milk-white pumps, every article is considered, described, and fitted with scholarly care. Questions of colour, fabric, and embellishment are weighed; the hazards of Tudor green are pondered; and the confectionaries, trifles, and tokens of courtly love are not forgotten.

Thus unfolds a tapestry of history and fancy: a music-video wrought in brocade, a guinea-pig in the role of actor, the apparition of Lady Bin Bags, and the household cats who preside over the final credits.

⤠ TIMESTAMPS ⤟
A programme of the several parts may be consulted as follows:
0:00 — Intro
0:30 — What is the Greensleeves Project?
3:14 — Smock of Silk & Blackwork Embroidery
5:26 — Stockings & Garters
5:56 — Petticoat Bodies
8:03 — First Fitting
9:06 — Gown of Grassy Green
10:13 — Fabric
11:56 — Trim & Embellishments
13:53 — Kirtle Continues
19:03 — Was Tudor green poisonous?
21:00 — Milk White Pumps
24:55 — Tudor Ruffs
28:31 — Final Fitting
29:34 — Filming the Music Video
30:36 — Tudor Confectionaries
34:08 — Knives & Betrothal
34:50 — The Guinea Pig is a Paid Actor
36:00 — Lady Bin Bags
36:53 — Final Reflections
38:32 — Credits
39:12 — The Cats of Greensleeves