Harriet Haberdash

(b. 1420 - d. 1483)

BIOGRAPHY:

Harriet inherited her trade from her father, a tailor often called upon by members of the court. Having had no sons, (only 8 girls, 3 of whom died in infancy) he desired that Harriet, the eldest, inherit the family business whilst the 3 subsequent children remained with their mother to learn the skills of housekeeping. Harriet worked alongside her father until his death c1439. During her time with her father she built up her own good reputation as a seamstress (amongst the ladies of the court in particular) and even after her fathers death she had no trouble with finding clients.

Despite her skills, being a woman meant she was not often recognised as more than a seamstress (except of course amongst her more frequent customers) and she could not expect the salary which was commanded by a tailor. However, she did have twice as much business than other court tailors, as the women of the court were keen to keep up with the latest fashions. What Harriet certainly possessed was an eye for fashion. She would observe foreign visitors to the court and create her own designs by mixing exotic silks with home-grown fashions to create eye catching gowns.

Her most prolific clients were noble ladies, the mothers of girls who were soon to be exhibited in the marriage market of the court.

Unfortunately, Harriet did not marry. Her unusual position as a businesswoman made it difficult for a man to accept her role as breadwinner. Not to say that Harriet as a young woman did not have a fair few admirers, however, her dedication to her work and her time spent travelling to the homes of noble families meant that she did not have time for love. She died content with her lot at the ripe old age of 63.

At this point in time, Harriet is in the employ of the Plantagenet household making gowns for Lady Cicely's daughters Anne and Margaret and suitable clothing for the demanding youth, Richard, Duke of Gloucester.