"Jacobite" garb

**Woodsheal** · 23rd January 12, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

My issue is that when I think kilt, it is the belted plaid that first comes to mind. And I know what you mean, in regards to the written references. To me the belted plaid just seems a bit too "evolved" to assume it wasnt earlier, but thats opinion based on...well, nothing.

Thanks for the help!

Right, the first definitive description dates to 1594 (I believe), with some earlier references that might refer to belted plaids.
Now, I find it hard to envision that some clansman first donned a "great kilt" in 1594, and some literate person was standing by to instantly report on the occasion! Logically, the practice of wearing such a garment had to have been in place for some time before it was described on paper - or parchment....

**Dale Seago** · 23rd January 12, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

Right, the first definitive description dates to 1594 (I believe), with some earlier references that might refer to belted plaids.
Now, I find it hard to envision that some clansman first donned a "great kilt" in 1594, and some literate person was standing by to instantly report on the occasion! Logically, the practice of wearing such a garment had to have been in place for some time before it was described on paper - or parchment....

Totally agree. It may have been "new" to the person writing about the galloglaigh wearing this garment, but it had obviously already become customary among these warriors themselves. I'd say mid-century (circa 1550) is a reasonable point to assume its introduction in the Western Isles & Highlands.

Interestingly, mid-to-late 1500s seems to be the period where three things in particular became popular in the Highlands: the belted plaid, the baskethilt broadsword, and the Great Highland Bagpipe.

**Woodsheal** · 24th January 12, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

Interestingly, mid-to-late 1500s seems to be the period where three things in particular became popular in the Highlands: the belted plaid, the baskethilt broadsword, and the Great Highland Bagpipe.

And, if anyone wants any early-type basket hilt appropriate to the Elizabethan/"RenFaire" period, ArmourClass makes one:

http://www.armourclass.co.uk/Data/Pa...Century_14.htm

The two-handed "claymore" would still be right for that timeframe, too....