Kyrtles/Cotes/Tunics

Cowl of St.Francis of Assisi

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After Flury -Lembergh

This is a Monk's habit that once belonged to St.Francis of Assisi (d.1226).  It is housed in Asssisi, in the church of S. Francesco. It is made of an undyed fulled woollen twil, ,and is partially lined in linen. The actual garment is missing the left sleeve.   There is a linen pocket sewn into the remaining sleeve.  Several large holes in the garment have been patched, ostensibly by fabric cut from a cloak belonging to St.Clare.

Torso Material Thread Count

Although this garment is identified as being a "cowl", it doesn't fit the definition of a cowl according to the OED in that it has sleeves and no hood. It is closer to what was generally called a "frock".

This page was last modified 24 November 2002


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Some Clothing of the Middle Ages -- Kyrtles/Cotes/Tunics -- Cowl of St.Francis of Assisi, by I. Marc Carlson, Copyright 2002. This code is given for the free exchange of information, provided the Author's Name is included in all future revisions, and no money change hands-