We Make History Presents the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown Ball

Jacobean?

The term Jacobean deals particularly with the 17th century, that time when the House of Stewart/Stuart reigned over both Scotland and England. A little history and a little Latin shall explain.

King James VI of Scotland had been king over that nation since 1567. King James was a member of the House of Stewart/Stuart which had ruled Scotland for several centuries and which was now to rule England for over a century as well. In 1603 Queen Elizabeth of England died and James inherited the throne of England where he was crowned King James I. From that point in time he ruled over both nations until his death in 1625. Notable events during the reign of King James I included the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the founding of the colonies of Virginia in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620. He is most remembered however for desiring and authorizing a new translation of the Bible into English. This "Authorized" version was first published in 1611 and has been popularly known as the "King James" version ever since. It was during the reign of King James I that the Thirty Years War broke out in Europe (1618-1648). But though many English and Scottish officers gained valuable military experience as volunteers fighting for other nations, particularly in the Swedish Army of King Gustavus Adolphus, yet on a national level England and Scotland stayed clear of the struggle.

After the reign of King James I came that of his son King Charles I who reigned from 1625-1649. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded during his reign as well as the colonies of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maryland. The English Civil War began in 1642 with "Cavaliers" or "Royalists" supporting the King and "Roundheads" supporting Parliament during this complex but colourful struggle. The "Roundheads" were victorious in the end, Charles was executed in 1649, and his son, the future Charles II found refuge on the European Continent as Oliver Cromwell and Parliament took the reigns of power.

During the "Commonwealth" (1649-1660), the period of rule by Cromwell and/or Parliament, there was no reigning king, thus these years are also known as the "Interregnum" (Latin for "between kings"). To this day "Lord Protector" Oliver Cromwell is the most debated figure in British history. These years saw the exodus of many Royalists (Cavaliers) to America, most notably to Virginia which had been very sympathetic to the royal cause in the late Civil War whereas the colonies of New England had been very sympathetic to the cause of Parliament. (The whole polarized north-south thing in America goes way, way back!) This period also saw the beginning of the intermittent but enormous naval struggles known as the Anglo-Dutch Wars.

In 1660 the "Restoration" occurred when Charles II was invited to return from exile and assume the throne. But even previous to this point a representative had been sent to Charles by Virginia asserting that Virginians still recognized him as the Stuart heir and thus the rightful king and inviting him to come and reign as king in Virginia until the rest of his realm could be restored. Though he did not follow through on the offer, the crowns being reclaimed shortly afterwards, yet due to his appreciation of the loyalty of Virginia, once the "Restoration" was complete King Charles II honoured Virginia by naming her a royal "Dominion" along with England, Scotland and Ireland. Thus Virginia has had the honour of being known as the "Old Dominion" to this very day. King Charles II also authorized the establishment of a colony to the south of Virginia which was named Carolina in his honour, Carol being Latin for Charles. The settlement which was to become the colony's capital was also named in his honour. This was Charles Towne, which is today's Charleston, South Carolina, the colony having later been divided into North Carolina and South Carolina. King Charles II ruled from 1660-1685.

Next in line was King James II (younger brother of Charles II) who assumed the throne from 1685 until the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688. Before becoming king this James held the title of Duke of York. When the English captured the town of Nieuw Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664 it was renamed New York in his honour.

In the Latin language "James" is translated as "Jacobus" thus the period from the reign of King James I through that of King James II is often known as the Jacobean era. After King James II was overthrown those who continued to support the claims of direct succession of the House of Stewart/Stuart to the crowns of Scotland and England became know as "Jacobites". Repeated efforts to restore this family line to the thrones of Scotland and England were very much a part of European power politics until the defeat of Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie"), grandson of King James II, at the battle of Culloden in 1746.

But what of Jacobean Fashion?

The Jacobean era of the 17th century covers a number of fashion changes. Even very early in the period men were wearing breeches. The breeches of the period were fly front and a looser fit than the future 18th century variety. Around 1600 they were often ballooned in the upper part but this soon passed and a more symmetrical shape was adopted. Sometimes breeches fastened snugly below the knee and sometimes they simply hung loose, perhaps being decorated by a lace fringe around the bottom of each leg opening. The ruff of the early part of the era gave way to the "falling bands" type collar that one tends to associate with the Pilgrims. Misleading stereotypes of Puritans in drab garb notwithstanding, this was undoubtedly the most colourful and ostentatious era in all of history for men who could afford to be fashionable. Bright colours, ribands (ribbons), frills, lace, large hats of varying styles and large plumes were all worn as was ostentatiously long hair. In fact it was during this period that wigs came into fashion for men. Poor King Louis XIII of France went prematurely bald at a time when it was fashionable for men to wear their hair down far below their shoulders. The King of France must be fashionable - so he has a large, long wig made. Others quickly imitated him and wigs in various forms would be fashionable for men for the next 175 years or so. This was also a period when men went about wearing the type of sword known as the rapier. It is the era of the "Three Musketeers" of "Lorna Doone" and of the first golden age of Caribbean piracy.

Ladies' fashions transitioned from the Elizabethan look with its "farthingale" corset, barrel shaped petticoat and large ruff to a high-waisted gown worn with short, curled hair at the time of the English Civil War and then back to a very long-waisted gown and long, flowing hair. All ladies wore stays (corsets) though the shape and length changed through the period. Necklines could be square or oval in the early and middle parts of the era though oval much predominated in the latter part.

The Puritans are worth a mention here as they played a large role in the early English settlements in America and were thickly involved in the political and religious debates that preceded and followed the English Civil War. History has often unkindly stereotyped the Puritans as being drab in their attire and dour in their countenances. Some did fit this pattern but overall the classification is unfair as many more did not. Puritans believed in modesty within the context of whatever social level to which they believed that God had assigned them. Puritan members of the nobility dressed in finery but perhaps not to the extent of some of their more splendidly garbed fellow aristocrats. Puritan commoners wore a number of colours (not just black and white) but were modestly fashionable within their means and social level. Puritan men tended to wear shoulder length hair - which was after all shorter than the length at which many men wore their hair through the last 3/4 of the 17th century - and some even cropped it up around there ears, thus engendering the term "roundhead". In summation, the Puritans dressed just as other people except that for modesty's sake they tended to be toned down (according to their respective social levels) in terms of ostentation and finery. (The words "modest" and "modesty" had almost completely different connotations then than now ... but that as they say ... is another story.) But did Puritans dance? Why yes! John Playford, the most distinguished dancing master of the period - was a Puritan!

The best simple visual Jacobean Fashion resource we know of for laymen is actually a colouring book! Go to your favourite online bookseller and type in a search for ISBN #0486433331.

For those desiring to sew Jacobean attire be warned that good patterns are almost non-existent. However, we have discovered a few offerings representing this era. Write for details.

Also and otherwise .... Study period artwork from the reign of King James I or go a bit earlier to the reign of Elizabeth I or a bit later to the English Civil War - and then go freestyle, designing if you have the skills to do so. The movie "Cromwell" has some very good costuming circa the 1640s, right in the heart of the Jacobean era, and might be a good source for ideas. Polish your language skills as well. 17th century English is beautiful! The King James Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and the works of Shakespeare are excellent sources.

Good Newes from Virginia

From a first time visitor…

Dear Lord and Lady Scott,

I want to thank you for hosting the Jamestown Ball last month. I must honestly say, I have not had more fun in MONTHS!!!! I came alone, as a first timer, and was warmly welcomed into the fun by every person in attendance. I was impressed by the sweetness and innocence of the youth and the warmth and kindness of the adults. Lady Trudy, Lady Mary Jane, and Pilgrim Christopher were particularly gracious and I thank them! I knew no one when I arrived. When I departed, I feel that I took dear friends with me. The evening was perfect, and my deepest thanks to you for making it not only possible, but a reality.

I came on a "reconnaisance mission" and then reported back to the family. I had such a wonderful time that my teenage son and I have made plans to attend the Pride and Prejudice Ball in the autumn, and I cannot wait! I've already begun to make our historic attire! We both look forward to seeing you again.

I sincerely thank you again for a fabulous evening.

Gratefully Yours,
Terri

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Dear Lord Scott,

What a nice Ball! It's amazing how hours can pass by so quickly. Everything was so well arranged and planned. It's so nice to just go and enjoy good music, pretty dresses, good company and lots merriment of the best style. Every moment was so special and enjoyable. It was different than any other Ball yet just as nice and perhaps even more entertaining.

Lady Scott looked her best. She always looks so pretty. I really appreciate all the work she does. Sometimes we can forget the wife's work behind the scenes but I do notice all her labour. Sewing is time consuming and she surely has golden hands.

We appreciate all the work you put into planning such a beautiful evening. It was truly wonderful.

Yours sincerely,

Lady Yolanda d'Oporto

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Dear Lord and Lady Scott,

The Jamestown Ball now has a place on my list as one of my favorites. I do hope I helped erase the popular myth that Puritans didn't dance.

As one guest put it during the jig, "You look like you're having entirely too much fun." That, kind sir, is precisely the idea!

But I shall remember another moment too, in our re-creation of the landing at Jamestown, where we gave thanks to God and prayed for the Gospel to spread across the land. I carried the cross. Given the recent re-affirmation of my faith, it was a poignant parallel to my own life.

Thank you so much! God Bless You and the Family of We Make History!

HUZZAH!

Your Friend And Humble Servant,
Chaplain Christopher the Puritan
Tucson

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My dear Lord Scott

The 1607 Jamestown Ball was a welcome change despite the fact that all the other balls are simply splendid. The level of dress, the colorful characters, and theater made it a most memorable evening. I was most relieved that the native peoples behaved themselves so well, and not like savages. It was most fortunate that a young Indian woman came to the rescue of Captain John Smith, which was a most heroic act and set the proper tone for the evening. It almost makes me think that we two peoples can live side by side.

I thank thee for all of thy hard work to make these balls so unforgettable.

I Remain,

Your Friend and Humble Servant,

Sir Michael of Glendale Hundred

PS It is so delightful to see the excitement in the patrons at the balls, . . . especially for the neophytes. It helps to make the evening magical. And today I heard on the radio that Queen Elizabeth is coming to the US to celebrate the 400^th Birthday of the first permanent English settlement in the New World . . . Jamestown!! Her Royal Highness is a week late! Did she not get your invite to the ball? Do doubt, some chicanery in the Royal Court was at work.

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From another first-time visitor…

My Dear Lord & Lady Scott,

Miss Elizabeth and I had a wonderful experience at the Jamestown Ball. The music was enchanting, the re-enactments engaging, and the efforts shown by so many of the guests to attire themselves in period fashion was inspiring. The evening was also very instructive, as I discovered the inability to distinguish one’s right from left on demand and under pressure is not necessarily unique to young children. As the gentleman can attest, (though I know he would not, as a gentleman, admit he noticed), whatever “poise” I may have developed does not as yet extend to the dance floor. Being a hopeful person, however, I remain optimistic that with the saint-like patience of knowledgeable dance partners in the future, I might improve. Time will tell.

Miss Elizabeth has gone on to tell all her friends at school and her teacher how incredible her experience was. As it happens, her teacher is from the East Coast, and was amazed that such an event commemorating the founding of Jamestown occurred here in the wilds of the Arizona Territory. I’ve clued her in to your website. Opportunity abounds.

I regret we will probably have to wait until October for the next ball, but the lure of Anne Bonny and Mary Reid may drive us to Prescott, after all.

Thank you again for your diligent efforts toward the Jamestown Ball, and for all your endeavors to serve and inspire.

I remain most faithfully yours,

Lady Trudy of Faulbrooke Manor

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Greetings!
I am writing to tell you how much I enjoy the newly posted page! :)
We brought three newcomers this time and all of three of them just LOVED the experience! They are so pleased to have found a group of people who can reenact history so well with so much merriment!
Prescott was certainly taken by surprise with us... especially when we went to take pictures by the Log Cabins at the Sharlot Hall Museum... It was quite funny as we walked over there because a tourist came up to Sean saying, "I thought that this town was so quiet and charming... until I saw YOU! HOODLUM!!!" She was just kidding, but she did take us by surprise ;) And while mom and dad were taking pictures of Sean by the cabin, Tony, Josh, and I waited on the street by the car... There were several stares coming our way,
some of which can't even be described ;)
Thank you so much for one of the most enjoyable and memorable balls ever!

Sincerely,
Kristen K., known in 1607 as Socatoa, Indian Princess ;)

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Lord Scott,

I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Jamestown ball. It was tremendous fun for me, and from the looks of it the dancers were having just as much fun. I always have a bit of trouble getting back to real life after our SCA events, and the same was true after this ball.

I was also impressed with the way you began and ended the ball. In our society today it is very refreshing to attend any event that dares to open with the Pledge of Allegiance and close with words recognizing the many blessings that God has given us.

If my meager skills would suit your needs for future 17^th century events, please do contact me.

In service,

Simon de Rouen

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Lord Scott:

I doth had a most wonderfull time at the Jamestowne Ball, and was glad to be of assistance as Ensign (e.g. Guidon-Bearer) for the landing-party. Our company was well met, the Algonkian natives a nice enough bunch of Fellowes once you got to know them -- and the distaff companionship, superb as always! Twas a most wondrous evening indeed and I doth most sincerely hope that we shall nott have to waite until AD 2020 and the Plymouth Anniversary for our next soiree/excursion back to the glorious 17th C.

Yrs. Most Sincerely
in Christ Our Lord

Squire Ash,
Yeoman Adventurer & Parliamentarian

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Lord Scott,

Thank you once again for a fantastic evening. I had a great time doing the skit, and showing off my impressive linguistic skills as one of Powhatan's tribe. Granted, it sounded more like a caveman than anything else, but I'm sure I'll get the dialect down sooner or later. I also had a great time participating in the native dance of Powhatan's people. I'm sure it was a sight no one had ever seen before, (or wishes to see again). Thank you once again for all of the splendid work you put in to making these balls possible. I hope we get to do another 17th century ball like that again.

God Bless,
Josh the Algonquian

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Dear Sir,

I had a most pleasant time at the recent ball which was held in honor of Jamestown's founding. Everyone (even the "savages") was well behaved and gave one the impression of being in King James' court. I would be in favor of attending such a ball again due to the wonderful gentlemen, ladies, natives, and musicians.

We did arrive late, but my brothers managed to be photographed in the charge for all of the ladies shoes. I always find these dances (and the pineapple dance) most amusing and some of the most fun dances of the evening. I do hope that we will be visiting this time period again as I had fun learning about some of the people who lived then.

Thank you (and your wife) for the enjoyment that you have brought to my family. Thank you again for the lovely evening,

Miss Linnea

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Dear Lord Scott,

I was delighted by the creative costumes worn to the Jamestown Ball. What an enjoyable group of people that attend your events! Having attended other group's events, I have come to appreciate your high standards all the more and consider myself blessed to be counted among the members of the 1st VA. and We Make History.

Thank you for all of your hard work,

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Puritan's Progress

A celebration of The New World, as established in Jamestown 400 years ago this year and honored by We Make History.

Adapted From The Journals Of Chaplain Christopher the Puritan
Presented In Iambic Pentameter in Tribute to Shakespeare and Bunyan.

The windy voyage now complete and lo,
A merry Puritan am I, clothed in
Black and brown and eager for some dancing!
My friends bestow me with thy title Chaplain.
A preacher now? I shall honor God with
Joyous, num’rous steps of high refinement.

Our fellow voyagers have made it here,
Kind ladies and fine gentlemen stroll in.
Explorers meet and greet about thy room.
Chief Powhatan in fully painted mirth.
His subjects all around him brave and strong.
Pocahontas in three persons, showing
Young girl, then older, then an English Lass!

A tribute to thy country of the now,
And then the watch wound back four hundred years
Promenade we all back to the time of
Newfound land and cur’ous native dwellers.
An unsure lady calmed with steady hand
Extended to her with a courtly bow
We very much enjoy Sellenger’s Round.

Thine eyes observe a Pilgrim woman to
Thy corner of thy hall. I waste no time
In off’ring her the opportunity
To share a dance and disprove myths long told
Of Puritan contempt for dances all.
Our many steps do surely show the world
We are not strangers to the land of joy
If though our brownish garb doth paint us blue.
We caper through the Fields of Frost and Snow.

To honour to the brave who came before,
We pay tribute with a re-enactment
Of first steps taken on the New World land
A cross over my shoulder as I walk,
Heavy and yet such a glor’ous burden.
All knees do bend upon the blessed Earth,
Prayers offered that the Gospel may spread forth
Across this new and wonderful country.

I share so many moments with such fine
And charming ladies of the lands afar.
I gaze into their eyes as my feet glide
O’er the ballroom. Come, let us be merry!
A bow with sweeping hand, a clap and turn,
And skip with grace amongst the couples all.
Such poise doth nourish health and spirit both.

The jigs are up! And we are all about,
Prancing about in freeform style, the lads
And ladies showing off their fancy feet,
Although the natives do prefer less bounce.
They sloweth down the pace, walking in style.
A low-impact sort of jig I cannot
Help but try to emulate, yet some shall
Recognize my steps as “Thy Egyptian.”

John Smith is spared by native Algonquians,
Young Pocahontas makes the saving cry!
Years later she would marry a John Rolfe.
All Haste to the fair Wedding, so we say.
Oh ‘tis my fav’ourite! But I smile too soon.
This version is but new and diff’rent than
Thy dance that I learned sev’ral years ago.
But still, my heart doth not complain, for I
Treasure learning with all its challenges.

A winner of thy contest? Oh, Huzzah!
Ten balls hath I attended, prize not won.
But unlike other winners drawn from lot,
I have my fact of history in mind,
No dance shall I perform to satisfy
Thy yearnings of the unforgiving ones,
Ye who delight watching solo jigs.
Mind must be exercised as sure as foot.

But be not laggard in ye steps or ye
Shall find no lady to engage for dance
When they shall cast thy footwear to thy floor,
Thy quick shall have the honour of first choice,
If thou can stand thy weight of rushing charge,
The glor’ous crush of noble gentlemen
Upon the back of one who halts too soon.

All is wond’rous, yet so tiring, yet this
Pilgrim puzzles how thy time could slip so
Far so fast, and leave us at the end, too
Soon for many, but the ticking clock has
Brought us back into our modern lives and
Times yet with promise that the journey is
Not over, and we shall meet here again.

Click ye here for more images and words of celebration!

COMING IN JUNE: Booty!

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Lord Scott to ye Virginia Company

Ye Merriment at Jamestown

Ye Gallant Adventurers,

Noble Savages, Ladies of England, Carefree Carousers, Dainty Dancers, Prancing Puritans, and what all may be more than any one could recount...

It cometh to pass that Lord Scott hath acquainted His Most Gracious Majesty King James of thy heroic exploits scarce equaled since ye days of Jason & ye Argonauts ... whose adventures are cloaked in the mists of time and shrouded in fable while those of ye Virginia adventurers be real and well attested ....

His Majesty King James expresses His pleasure in noble exploits which accrue to ye Honour of England.

Quite seriously....

Happy Birthday Jamestown!

Happy Birthday Virginia!

Happy Birthday America!

Thanks to all who so creatively immersed themselves in the spirit of the occasion! I must say that I expected this time period to "catch on" and fire the imaginations of the WMH family yet I am impressed by the sheer quantity of those who made serious efforts at portraying English or Algonquians of the Jacobean era and the quality of the apparel of many as well as the passionate dramatic interpretations!

Bravo & Huzzah!

This all doth beg the question....

Shall we hold another 17th Century Ball in the future? What say all?

In the meantime you will be pleased to know that your 17th century attire is quite appropriate for the Buccaneers' Ball coming up in Prescott on June 23rd, 2007. Though the early 18th century often grabs the focus of those with an interest in the pirates of yore, the truth is that the middle decades of the 17th century was really the "golden age" of the buccaneers, the early decades of the 17th century saw the Dutch "sea beggars" and the late 16th century was the era of such famed privateers and sea fighters as Drake and Hawkins. "Captain Blood" starring Errol Flynn is still far and away the best pirate movie ever made and is set in the historical backdrop of the wake of Monmouth's rebellion of 1685. See www.buccaneersball.com for information and inspiration!

I remain

your servant

as we journey

in this noble cause

together.

Lord Scott

For the sake of the scholars, character actors and historically insatiable among us I present the following (partial) list of interesting personalities of the greater Jacobean era and a bit beyond.

America

Capt. John Smith

Pocahontas

John Rolfe

Powhatan

Opechancanough

William Bradford

Massassoit

Miles Standish

Tisquantum ("Squanto")

Roger Williams

Peter Stuyvesant

Peter Minuit

Johan Printz

Leonard Calvert

Sir William Berkeley

Nathaniel Bacon

Metacomet ("King Phillip")

Benjamin Church

England

King James I

Sir Anthony Van Dyck

King Charles I

Queen Henrietta Maria

Prince Rupert of the Rhine

Oliver Cromwell

John Bunyan

King Charles II

Sir Christopher Wren

King James II

The Duke of Monmouth

William & Mary

Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page as well as our "All About Us" page.