I’ve loved Ordnance Survey maps ever since ‘O’ level Geography when we had to know how to decode the tiny symbols, and be able to recognise the difference between deciduous, coniferous and mixed woodland and, my favourite, a church with a spire and a church with a tower.
Such an interesting article redolent with links to my own family history. Many of my maternal ancestors were clothiers in Yorkshire and tenter grounds were important. I also love the 1676 map of the tenter grounds in Spitalfields which shows Fashion St. My paternal great grandparents lived on Fashion St in the late 19th century...
Yet again a very interesting piece, Jane, and I love what I learned from you. Thank you. I wonder if that is the origin of the name of Tenterden in Kent?
For a dissertation while in Liverpool I also studied old os maps and found that many city centre streets started out as roperies.
Your weekly posts (and the comments) have become the highlight of my Sundays! I remember being very excited to learn the origin of tenterhooks. As the Beatles clip says, “Ah, the English language . . .”
I always envy the UK its elections. Here in the US we’re on tenterhooks for literally years, and subjected to months and months of campaigning. I hope your newly elected government fulfills its promises!
Jane, what a delight your writings are each week! I loved learning about this part of cloth production history, and the art you find to accompany is always just absolutely top notch. The results of the election there give me a little bit of solace that at least the UK is sane whatever happens here in the US, like a beacon that will hopefully spread. And sprinkle in a Beatles reference, and it's like your letters are meant specifically for me! Thanks so much for the hard work you do each week Jane!
I do love a good explanation of etymology and old maps. Thank you.
And yes to the symmetry of this past week and 1997. This time time round my profound relief and sense of new hope is more than tinged with concern about the rise of the far right home and abroad. But. Am enjoying the moment, for now at least. Especially as it’s all we truly have.
You still see fabric drying in the sun in this method in India. I love the town of Tenterfield in New South Wales but had never considered the origin of the name.
Tenterhooks here I'm France too, and tears of relief last night, although the art of compromise doesn't come easily to the French soul and the coming weeks will be full of debate.
Thank for your explanation of the origin of the word, I had no idea (and sadly had never made the effort to find out). I have begun my day by learning something and that's always a good thing. Xxx
As a lexicographer who loves maps and etymology, and textile history, I don't think I could love this piece more! Thank you. I live near Paisley and many of the little villages here have remnants of the old textile trade that was linked to the Paisley mills - ruined dyeworks, weavers' cottages, bleach fields. I often wondered how long it would take to bleach cloth here in the west of Scotland , where we are not overburdened with sunny days.
I really enjoy your writing here and for Persephone books.
Your topic of Tenterfields reminded me of a beautiful song written by the wonderful Peter Allen, ‘Tenterfield Saddler’. Definitely worth a listen if you don’t know it.
I sort of knew about tenter hooks in the back of my mind but I love the art aspect. The Dutch painting is beautiful. Thank you as always for an interesting read.
How fascinating Jane. Thank you for this erudite piece. I just have visions of people rushing in and out in inclement weather to “untenter”their cloths to stop them getting wet. They must’ve constantly watched the weather and I do wonder what happened in the wintertime……when the bleaching sun was in short supply. These use of these ground must have been partially seasonal surely…..
Such an interesting article redolent with links to my own family history. Many of my maternal ancestors were clothiers in Yorkshire and tenter grounds were important. I also love the 1676 map of the tenter grounds in Spitalfields which shows Fashion St. My paternal great grandparents lived on Fashion St in the late 19th century...
Yet again a very interesting piece, Jane, and I love what I learned from you. Thank you. I wonder if that is the origin of the name of Tenterden in Kent?
For a dissertation while in Liverpool I also studied old os maps and found that many city centre streets started out as roperies.
Your weekly posts (and the comments) have become the highlight of my Sundays! I remember being very excited to learn the origin of tenterhooks. As the Beatles clip says, “Ah, the English language . . .”
I always envy the UK its elections. Here in the US we’re on tenterhooks for literally years, and subjected to months and months of campaigning. I hope your newly elected government fulfills its promises!
Jane, what a delight your writings are each week! I loved learning about this part of cloth production history, and the art you find to accompany is always just absolutely top notch. The results of the election there give me a little bit of solace that at least the UK is sane whatever happens here in the US, like a beacon that will hopefully spread. And sprinkle in a Beatles reference, and it's like your letters are meant specifically for me! Thanks so much for the hard work you do each week Jane!
Thank you!
Amazingly just spotted this - a restoration project at Otterburn Mill (just down the road from me in Northumberland) to restore the last set of field tenters in England - https://www.otterburnmill.co.uk/tenter-frames-i94?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Gq5AhlO1gtxGqTI9dCw2dfVna14iJd8T6NJMZ4h5Y7JEVBj8yFbuWIQM_aem_AqVu38BX0tvqKKSykb-UZA
That's fantastic! Will be worth visiting when they have been restored.
I do love a good explanation of etymology and old maps. Thank you.
And yes to the symmetry of this past week and 1997. This time time round my profound relief and sense of new hope is more than tinged with concern about the rise of the far right home and abroad. But. Am enjoying the moment, for now at least. Especially as it’s all we truly have.
This is fascinating! Thank you for an interesting read.
You still see fabric drying in the sun in this method in India. I love the town of Tenterfield in New South Wales but had never considered the origin of the name.
Tenterhooks here I'm France too, and tears of relief last night, although the art of compromise doesn't come easily to the French soul and the coming weeks will be full of debate.
Thank for your explanation of the origin of the word, I had no idea (and sadly had never made the effort to find out). I have begun my day by learning something and that's always a good thing. Xxx
Huge relief on Sunday! I know it won't be easy, but the result is infinitely better than the alternative.
With you all the way on OS maps! Still using them.
Have you visited the fairly recently revamped Piece Hall in Halifax?
With you all the way on the absolute sense of relief after being in tenterhooks for the last few years. Finally that abusive relationship is over.🌞
Yes, the Piece Hall is amazing, isn't. Also, the soot-covered Minster nearby with wonderful, rare Commonwealth glass, and lovely Jacobean pews.
As a lexicographer who loves maps and etymology, and textile history, I don't think I could love this piece more! Thank you. I live near Paisley and many of the little villages here have remnants of the old textile trade that was linked to the Paisley mills - ruined dyeworks, weavers' cottages, bleach fields. I often wondered how long it would take to bleach cloth here in the west of Scotland , where we are not overburdened with sunny days.
Thank you!
Thanks Jane
I really enjoy your writing here and for Persephone books.
Your topic of Tenterfields reminded me of a beautiful song written by the wonderful Peter Allen, ‘Tenterfield Saddler’. Definitely worth a listen if you don’t know it.
Loved this interesting piece. Often on ‘tenterhooks’ when waiting for a phone call or email.!
Keep them coming and thanks!
Pure relief is exactly how I would describe it!
I sort of knew about tenter hooks in the back of my mind but I love the art aspect. The Dutch painting is beautiful. Thank you as always for an interesting read.
How fascinating Jane. Thank you for this erudite piece. I just have visions of people rushing in and out in inclement weather to “untenter”their cloths to stop them getting wet. They must’ve constantly watched the weather and I do wonder what happened in the wintertime……when the bleaching sun was in short supply. These use of these ground must have been partially seasonal surely…..
So interesting..a wonderfully obscure subject..love those paintings..🌺