THE FIRST SILK HAT

Kaikoura Star, Volume LIV, Issue 51, 2 July 1934, Page 3

THE FIRST SILK HAT

An extract from the Hatters’ Gazette gives an account of the wearing of the first silk hat in London in 1797. John Hetherington, haberdasher, of the Strand, was arrainged before the Lord Mayor on a charge of ” breach of the peace and inciting to riot,” and was required to give a bond of £5OO. It was stated in evidence that Mr Hetherington, who was 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 people.” As a matter of fact, the officers of the Crown stated that several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed, dogs yelped, and a younger son of Cordwaincr Thomas, who was returning from a chandler’s shop, was thrown down by the crowd which had collected and had his right arm broken. The defendant was seized by the guards and taken before the Lord Mayor. In extenuation of his crime the defendant claimed that he had not violated any law of the kingdom, but was merely exercising a right to appear in a headdress of his own design—a right not denied to any Englishman.