Norfolk jacket

History

There have been several theories regarding the origin of the Norfolk jacket, although none are supported by much evidence. The first theory is that the jacket originated with Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk, who invented it for use as a hunting coat in the late 1860s. According to this theory, the jacket was then discovered by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), whose country residence was at Sandringham House in Norfolk, and was made popular by him in the 1880s. No pictures of the prince in such a garment exist, however. Another theory is that the jacket was invented by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester (1754–1842), known as Coke of Norfolk, who regularly hosted guests such as the then Prince of Wales (the future George IV) for duck-shooting events at his estate in Holkham, Norfolk. It is also possible that there is no specific origin story, and the jacket was named as such simply because it was invented in the county of Norfolk.

The jacket has been modified several times since its invention, and its original form is now unknown. A version popularised in the 1930s consisted of a larger version of a sportscoat, together with a belt.

Types

There are many types of Norfolk jacket, with variations including the type of pleat used, and the style of the belt. Popular varieties today include the full Norfolk jacket, which features three or four buttons in a single-breasted layout, with pleats and a full belt; and the half Norfolk jacket which is less pleated and has only a half belt. Both these types have a notched lapel and a patch pocket. The Norfolk suit is an attire in which a Norfolk jacket is combined with matching trousers to form a full suit. This style was popular in the 1930s and 1940s but is rare today.

Uses

The Norfolk jacket has been employed in the military in the past, for example in the Australian Armed Forces in 1916, in which the women's uniform featured a Norfolk jacket combined with a felt hat, and by the North-West Mounted Police in Canada in the 1870s.{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FX1jDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT188 |chapter=Chapter 25 |title=Five Ages of Canada: A History From Our First Peoples to Confederation

References

References

1. (11 March 2013). "History of the Norfolk Jacket". KEIKARI.COM.
2. (30 August 2017). "Royal Residences: Sandringham House". British Royal Family.
3. (5 April 2013). "The Norfolk Jacket Guide". Gentleman's Gazette.
4. "NORFOLK JACKET – DENIM BLUE HERRINGBONE". House of Lucan.
5. Craig Wilcox. (2017). "Badge, Boot, Button: The Story of Australian Uniforms".
6. JoAnne Olian. (2013). "Children's Fashions 1900-1950 As Pictured in Sears Catalogs". Courier Corporation.