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The Bacton Altar Cloth At her death Queen Elizabeth I's extensive Wardrobe of Robes [1] contained 1,900 dresses with accompanying jewels and accessories. None has survived intact. In 2015 the Bacton Altar Cloth, an embroidery associated with Blanche Parry, was taken to Hampton Court Palace for conservation. Already recognised as important [2], close examination showed it to be a unique survival. Originally part of one of the Queen's dresses, the alteration to fit an altar saved it from destruction. It is the only known surviving cloth from a dress worn by Queen Elizabeth I. The conservators have also discovered that it is unique survival of an expensive cloth which has been directly embroidered without the use of appliqué.

Contents 1 Size and Shape of the Embroidery 2 Description 3 Conclusion 4 References

Size and Shape of the Embroidery Its dimensions [3] are a central panel, measuring length 105 cms. (c. 41 inches) by width 53 cms (c. 21 inches) that would have lain on the flat top of the altar. The back 'flap' is length 105 cms by depth 11 cms (c. 4 inches). The front panel is length 105 cms by depth 52 cms (c. 20 inches). Each of the side panels is 53 cms by depth 52 cms. The depth is exactly the same on the three sides that would be visible to the congregation. This depth does not allow for the altar to stand on the ground where it would be far too low for ease of use. So the conclusion from these dimensions is that the embroidery was cut to cover a free-standing altar that stood on a table and was against a wall or, possibly, a reredos. This size altar was a Ridley Altar, named for Bishop Nicholas Ridley (martyr).

Description The fabric is extremely fine being a weft of white, or cream, silk threads with a warp of silver wire threads [4]. This was called silver chamblet (or chamlet, or camlet) [5]. To directly embroider onto such a delicate and expensive fabric is very, very difficult and demonstrates the skill of the embroiderer. This technique had not previously been thought possible. There are two separately embroidered series of motifs. The first series has been described as 'professionally' embroidered with flowers including sprigs of columbine and vine, daffodils, roses, honeysuckle, oak-leaves, acorns, mistletoe and squirrels. The second series of motifs has been described as embroidered by a 'gifted amateur'. These include tiny birds, butterflies, caterpillars, fish, dogs, stags, a bear, frogs, squirrels, dragonflies, sea monsters and tiny rowing boats with minuscule occupants. These motifs are currently all being carefully researched and more information will be available in due course.

Conclusion This embroidery was given to Bacton Church in memory of Blanche Parry. It is recognised as unique for two reasons: - as the only surviving section of a dress belonging to Queen Elizabeth I - and also for being the only surviving cloth of this date and quality in the world with direct embroidery.

References Arnold, Janet, 'Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd', 1988, reprinted 1991, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2014 Richardson, Ruth Elizabeth, 'Mistress Blanche Queen Elizabeth I's Confidante', Logaston Press, 2007, p 62 taken on 17th December 2015 when it was removed from Bacton Church to Hampton Court Palace information from Eleri Lynn, Dress Collections Curator at the Historic Royal Palaces Arnold, 2014, p 361 Statute issued at Greenwich, 15 June 1574 Lynn, Eleri, 'Tudor Fashion', Yale University Press in association with Historic Palaces, pp. 97-99, 154, 158, 168-171