Hessian (boot)
Hessian (/ˈhɛsiən/; from Hesse in Germany) refers to a style of light boot that became popular from the beginning of the 19th century.[1]
History and description
First worn by the German soldiers in the 18th century, the military issue boots became popular in England, particularly in the Regency (1811-1820) with their polished leather and jaunty tassels. Initially used as standard issue footwear for light cavalry regiments, especially hussars, they would become widely worn by civilians as well.[2]
The boots had a low heel, and a semi-pointed toe that made them practical for mounted troops, as they allowed easy use of stirrups.[3] They reached to the knee and had a decorative tassel at the top of each shaft, with a "v" notch in front.[4] The Hessian boot would evolve into the rubber work boots known as "wellies" and the cowboy boot.
In popular culture
- When describing the appearance of Marley's Ghost in A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens mentions the tassels on his boots, indicating that they were Hessian style.
- In Chapter 3 of Thackeray's Vanity Fair, in a scene set in England during the Napoleonic Wars, Joseph Sedley is described as wearing Hessian boots.
- In the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera Patience, Colonel Calverley sings a song about the military uniform, how impressive it looks, and the effect it has on women. The song specifically mentions Hessian boots.
See also
References
- ^ Carman, W.Y. A Dictionary of Military Uniform. p. 72. ISBN 0-684-15130-8.
- ^ Fiona McDonald (30 July 2006). Shoes and Boots Through History. Gareth Stevens. ISBN 978-0-8368-6857-9. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ Chambers's encyclopaedia: a dictionary of universal knowledge. W. & R. Chambers, Limited. 1901. pp. 321–. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
- ^ Carman, W.Y. A Dictionary of Military Uniform. p. 72. ISBN 0-684-15130-8.
