The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

Fustians.

These anciently were creditable wearing in England, for persons of the primest quality, finding the Knight in * 1.1 Chaucer thus habited.

Of Fustian he weared a Gippon All besmottred with his Haubergion.

But it seems they were all Forreign Commodities, as may appear by their modern names.

• 1. Jen Fustians, which I conceive so called from Jen a City in Saxony.
• 2. Ausburgh Fustians made in that famous City in Swevia.
• 3. Millaine Fustians, brought over hither out of Lumbardy.

These retain their old names at this day, though these several sorts are made in this County, whose Inhabitants buying the Cotton, Wool, or Yarne, coming from beyond the Sea, make it here into Fustians, to the good employment of the Poor and great improvement of the Rich therein, serving mean people for their out-〈◊〉〈◊〉, and their betters for the Lineings of their garments. Bolton is the staple-place for this commodity, being brought thither from all parts of the County.

As for Manchester, the Cottons thereof carry away the credit in our Nation, and so they did an hundred and fifty years agoe. For when learned * 1.2 Leland on the cost of King Henry the Eighth, with his Guide travailed Lancashire, he called Manchester, the fairest and quickest Town in this County, and sure I am, it hath lost neither spruceness nor spirits since that time.

Other Commodities made in Manchester are so small in themselves and various in their kinds, they will fill the shop of an Haberdasher of small wares, being therefore too many for me to reckon up, or remember, it will be the safest way to wrap them all together in some Manchester-Tickin, and to fasten them with the Pinns (to prevent

their falling out and scattering) or tye them with the Tape, and also, (because sure bind sure find) to bind them about with points and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all made in the same place.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Chaucer in his Prologue.
• * 1.2

  In his Ilinera∣ry.