Bycocket Shaped Hat

This hat is shaped like a bycocket or robin hood hat, made of patterned fabric, lined and decorated with a button and feathers.

The hat is made of soft fabric which makes it sit very differently on the head, it flattens out spreading outside the circumference of your head. Without that stiffness or a band to grip the head, it also feels more insecure than it should.

This is one of those awkward hats which I'm not sure where I will use it, it's not general-purpose to go about walking in, does not fit in a fantasy or historical use, not silly enough to be a novelty hat.

Currently thinking it may get used for some sort of drippy nobleman character

This was a Christmas present, much appreciated even if unsure of use yet.

Minstrels Hat

This Robinhood style felt hat as been upgraded

The hat itself was originally posted here in 2015

But has been decorated with scrolls to sewn to the brim for the part of a minstrel.

The additions really change the hat, its become more theatrical and less authentic.

The scrolls were varnished before rolling and tieing with ribbons, in the hope they may survive a bit of damp weather.

Bird Beak

This bycocket is made of lightweight felt and not stiff so folds flat.

The word Bycocket comes from the French word bec cocquet which means birds beak or cock's beak

Medieval Baseball Cap

Another Robin hood hat, this one has a turned up edge only around half the hat, this seem to have made the point of the hat less stable.

The medieval equivalent of baseball cap, it can also be worn with the peak of the brim pointing backwards as below. 

Their is also evidence for this is illustrations from period, I suppose it stopped rain dripping down your neck.

So when your down with the hood wear you bycocket backwards, yo power to the merry men.

Do you feel my excitement in this photo, perhaps I was smiling on the inside.

Robin Hoods Hat

This hat seems to be generally known as a Robin Hood Hat although its also been named a Bycocket.

Made famous by Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, this hat makes perfect sense, as an archer hat the front brim provides a bit shade and the lack of the brim at the sides stops the hat interfering with the draw of the bow string.

Since Robin Hood is just a legend all I can say is it was worn in 14th Century illustrations.

I tried archery for a bit with long bow during my many years as a medieval re-enactor, I didn't get hooked preferring the fun of hand to hand combat with a sword, axe or polearm.

This hat was purchased from Mike the Hat while he was trading at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival.