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Enforcing Statutes of Apparel

[Westminster, 6 May 1562, 4 Elizabeth I]

Printed by R. Jugge and J. Cawood (London, 1562): Articles for the execution of the Statutes of Apparel, and for the reformation of the outrageous excess thereof grown of late time within the realm, devised upon the Queen's majesty's commandment, by advice of her Council, 6 May 1562

            First the Queen's highness's pleasure is that the laws heretofore made touching the reformation of the excess in apparel, and namely the laws made in 24 Henry VIII [1533] and in 1 & 2 Philip and Mary [1554], be observed, and with all diligence put in execution.

            And for as much as no sort of people have so much exceeded, or do daily more exceed in the excess of apparel, contrary to the said statutes, than such as be of the meaner sort and be least able with their livings to maintain the same: her majesty's pleasure and straight commandment is that all justices and officers to whom the reformation thereof may appertain have special regard to the observation and execution, with all severity of the law made 1 & 2 Philip and Mary, purposely for that respect.


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14 July 2001 pkm