Pattens, protective overshoes worn in Europe since the Middle Ages against street filth

Pattens: a special kind of footwear used in Europe since the Middle Ages, chiefly as a means of protecting feet and shoes from mud and urban filth where road surfaces were not good enough. Pattens were made of metal and wood and fastened over ordinary shoes with leather straps or tape.

The French name of this footwear derives from the Old French for “hoof” or “paw”.

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

In the finale of the Strugatskys' Roadside Picnic, the Golden Ball is told: "Happiness for everybody, free, and let nobody go away unsatisfied!" I do not promise to offend nobody, but the digest really does come free of charge. So, here is the main business of the

Frederic Leighton

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Pattens, protective overshoes worn in Europe since the Middle Ages against street filth

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

Frederic Leighton

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