Gloves could serve several purposes in early 17th century Britain, apart from the obvious ones of protection and warmth. Many were solely decorative, to display the wealth and status of their owner. They were worn in the hat or belt, as well as carried in the hand. In combat, a glove was thrown down as a gage, or challenge. Ornately embroidered gloves served official purposes, signifying the holding of a civic office or membership in the local freemanry. Gloves were popular as gifts, particularly as a New Year’s gift to the monarch and they were frequently given as a sign of royal favour. Recent studies of the marriage ceremony in late Tudor and early Jacobean England show that accessories, particularly gloves were frequently exchanged between men and women. This may explain why so many survive in museum collections. Pair of kidskin gloves dyed pale grey, and with applied red satin cuffs couched with silver and silver-gilt thread and purl in an abstract floral pattern. The cuffs are lined and edged with blue silk and trimmed with silver-gilt bobbin lace and spangles. The cuffs are open at the side and are held with 3 coral silk ribbons trimmed with silver-gilt lace. The seams at the back of the hand are embroidered in plaited braid stitch with silver and silver-gilt thread. Pair of embroidered kidskin gloves with lace, Great Britain, 1600-1615