No 2. Tricorn Hats
Date: 18th century
Why are these important: Show Emsworth as a thriving, affluent town in 18th century.
In the 1980s, two tricorn hats were discovered under the bedroom floor at 2 King Street (also 1 Queen Street). The owner of the property who discovered these, George Cassedy, loaned these to the Museum. In 2021, they were donated by Fenella Cassedy.
They date from between 1790 and 1810 and were refurbished by the Textile Department of the V & A. The term “tricorn” or “tricorne” was not introduced until the 18th century. At the time they would have been described as “cocked hats” where the broad rim is laced, pinned, or buttoned on each side and at the back.
Find these in the right-hand glass-fronted cabinet in the research room.