THE FIRST TOP-HAT

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1927, Page 20

THE FIRST TOP-HAT

AN ENGLISHMAN'S RIGHT.

During a discussion in the columns of "The Times" on the pioneer of umbrellas, a correspondent sent an extract from ah old journal in her possession, dated 16th January, 1797, giving the following amusing account of the wearing of the first silk hat in London: "John Hcth'erington, haberdasher, of tho Strand, was arraignod before the Lord Mayor yesterday on a charge of breach of. the peace and inciting to riot, and was required to give bonds in the sum of £500. It-was in evidence that Mr. Hctherington,- who is well connected, appeared on the public highway wearing upon his head what he called a silk hat (which was offered in evidence), a tall structure having a shiny lustre, and calculated to frighten :timid people. As a matter of fact, the officers of the Crown stated that several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed,, doga yelped, and a younger son of Cordwainer Thomas, who was returning from a chandler's shop, was thrown down by the crowd which had collected, and had hisl right arm broken. For these reasons the defendant waß seized by the guards and taken before the Lord Mayor. In extenuation of his crime tho defendant claimed that'he had not violated any law of the kingdom, but was merely exercising a right to appear in n siead-dress of his own design—a right not denied to any Englishman."-