A popular fourteenth-century veil style is to have a pair of plaits framing your face which are visible under your veil.
You can see this style under these high-class ladies’ almost sheer veils (Luttrell Psalter (c.1325-1335 – BL Add MS 42130)
Here the lady has placed a hood over her plaits (Romance of Alexander, 1338-44, fol 59r)
Follow our tutorial to recreate it.
Comb hair (please forgive inauthentic earrings and slightly icky hair. It was the final day of the show!)
Separate into two sections along centre parting
Plait hair into two plaits starting from each temple
Continue plaiting til ends of hair
Create loops from each plait by pulling tail of plait through top of plait
Tuck ends into hair
Secure plaits into place with pins
Front view
Add your foundation for the veils. Here we’re using an authentic St Birgitta’s cap, but a fillet can also be used
Tying cap into place
Now add the wimple. Fold the fabric in half widthwise and place the middle under your chin. It is helpful to open your mouth while doing this so you don’t accidetly make your wimple too tight
Pin each end into place on the top of the head
Fold veil in half widthwise and place centre in middle of head
Pin into place on either side of the head
Inserting pins
The finished product (note how inauthentic earrings and messy hair are covered)
Higher-class ladies may leave off the veil and perhaps use a tablet-woven decorative filet over their hair.
Cardiff Castle Garrison 