Military Habit of King Edward VI in 1552

by Thomas Jefferys

This remarkable mid-18th-century engraving, by the famous cartographer and geographer Thomas Jefferys, is an exciting example of Tudor militaristic dress fashion looking back on the past. It shows King Edward VI in an unconventional manner not usually portrayed in textbooks – as a powerful monarch who demonstrates his power through military clothing.

The "Military Habit" presented in this print is a harmonious mix of late-Renaissance functionality and luxury associated with royalty. The king is shown wearing an elegant doublet and some military components of armor, marking the shift from the heavier Medieval plate armor to lighter military equipment used during the Early Modern period. The engraving features beautiful line work that perfectly emphasizes the delicate details of the embroidery and various textiles.