Handewarpes

HANDEWARPES

Coloured cloths mentioned in an Act of Parliament of Edward VI, 1551, formerly much made in Essex. A white variety is also mentioned. It is recorded " all and everie coloured clothe and clothes of lyke sortes comonlye called Handywarpes..... shalbe lysted as they have been accustomed, and being well scoured, thick mylled, and fully dried, evene such clothe shall waye the pound at the leste; and that all whites... as Coxtall whites, Glaynes fordes, and other being Handwarpes of what lengthes soever they shalbe that conteyne in bredth as ye afore remembred, and be lysted as ye aforesaide."