Make your own gown

We have created a costume for you that is inspired by a variety of historical sources, including paintings and existing examples of clothing from the 16th century. The pattern is intended to interpret a look whilst being simple to make. 

This pattern has been developed to fit an average ten year old; however the loose fit means it will still look great on boys 9-12 without alteration.
Further information

Time to make: three full days

Download the pattern
Click here to download the pattern (PDF, 7.69MB) > 

Download the instructions
Click here for the instructions for gown without fur collar (PDF, 1.19MB) > 

Click here for the instructions for gown with fur collar (PDF, 1.39MB) > 

Make your own helmet

What better way to win the heart of your lady-love than putting on a suit of solid armour, mounting your powerful stallion and charging out onto the tournament field to display your manly prowess?



Tired of getting sand kicked in your face?
Why not send your rivals flying off the backs of their horses in an old-style joust. 

A good suit of armour is a fighting machine and a fashion statement all rolled into one. 

It took craftsmen many hours to make royal helmets, but with our help you can make an amazing helmet in much less time!

Click on the links below to start making your own helmet.

 (PDF,  9.0MB) Click here to start making this helmet


 (PDF,  8.7MB) Click here to start making this helmet

Be creative!

You might like to think about the fabrics, colours and trimmings which are fashionable now, think about the ways we express ourselves through clothing, our status symbols and our favourite pastimes.

Henry VIII was a fashionable king who used clothing to send messages to his courtiers and subjects. What message might you like to send to Henry VIII when you visit him at Hampton Court Palace?