Historical Curiosity question

[Casey_in_Carolina]

Well thanks for the informative responses.

I guess I had the romanticized vision in my head, and was picturing everyone in kilts. Good to know that it is workable though, and kind of funny to think that the kilt was hill-billy clothing of the time

Casey

[Carolina Kiltman]

I don't expect everyone to believe me on this, because there is just so much myth and romance wrapped up around everything Scottish, but according to the best research we have, it is true.

Actually I do. Working men throughout history usually wore what was appropriate for the job. The heavy leather blacksmith aprons I remember from my youth were at least knee length and wrapped well past the sides of the legs. (even though the smithy was somewhat globular in shape).

Slàinte,

[Detroitpete]

I have NO idea about the historical correctness of any of this. I do metal sculpture, Raku and wood fire ceramics and very often wear kilts while doing this. I DO however use a leather apron 'kilt' that I tie around my clth kilt--I'm not totally daft ;-)

[Bugbear]

I wasn't just thinking of fire issues with the belted plaid. It just seems like it would be too bulky, loose, and getting caught on things to be practical in that situation. I don't like getting my clothing caught on hooks and edges when I'm working on things.

[TheKiltedWonder]

[QUOTE=Detroitpete;590063]I do metal sculpture, Raku and wood fire ceramics and very often wear kilts while doing this.[QUOTE]

Wow, I've watched a few kilns and helped a friend doing raku and I wouldn't wear a kilt to do either. Maybe it's the layer of dust at the ceramics studio or the fact that I was sure I was going to melt and/or burst into flames when helping with the raku.

I will say that I wouldn't be surprised if some Scottish hillbilly blacksmith wore a great kilt, though perhaps not in the smithy. Surely there was enough need of horseshoes, tools, etc to sustain a smith somewhere in the highlands!

[An t-Ileach]

Well, for what it's worth, farriers of my acquaintance wear a leather apron (about 2mm thick leather I'd guess) that comes way down below the knee and wraps round the sides of the leg - I'd guess that that would be more than adequate to protect whatever one was wearing underneath from sparks, flames, and horses.

[beloitpiper]

I always thought the old kilts were worn by shepherds or crofters; people that couldn't afford (or need) other, more expensive clothes. I would think that a blacksmith would've worn pants due to necessity. What reason would he have to wear a kilt?

[English Bloke]

The Kilt, as we know it today, was only developed in the late 1700's, about the time of the American Revolution....

As soon as the Kilt was adopted as a part of a Military uniform It was found only there.

I do believe, the Wizard has hit the nail on the head... see what I did there? see that?? Blacksmith joke, see? See it??

Never mind...

Far too much malt flowing under my bridge..
(Hic!)

[Bugbear]

I do believe, the Wizard has hit the nail on the head... see what I did there? see that?? Blacksmith joke, see? See it??

Never mind...

Far too much malt flowing under my bridge..
(Hic!)

Um, that sounds more like a carpenter joke... So cut it out.

[ThistleDown]

Sadly for those who think the kilt in either the "small" or "great" form is ancient, it is not. All the evidence (written, verbal and stone-carved) indicates that it is 17C, as Steve says. Prior to that a form of leggings appear to have been worn by the common folk, with a long shirt and a mantle of wool that protected their upper bodies from the inclement weather of those years. Think this through with images you have seen of norsemen and their garb. If you need more, consider how uncomfortable it would be to wear a kilt while astride a short-legged, round-bellied garron without a saddle. Granted, the horse was not available to the common man, but....