The Luton Hat Trade: A Brief History

The Luton hat trade was a major industry in the town of Luton, England, from the 16th to the 20th century. At its peak, the industry employed over 20,000 people and produced over 10 million hats per year. The hats were made from a variety of materials, including straw, felt, and wool, and were exported all over the world.

The origins of the Luton hat trade can be traced back to the 16th century, when straw plaiting was a common cottage industry in the area. In the 17th century, the town became a center for the production of felt hats, and by the 18th century, Luton was one of the leading hat-making towns in England.

THE LUTON HAT TRADE, A BRIEF HISTORY

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Language	:	English
File size	:	2162 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	55 pages
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The Luton hat trade reached its peak in the 19th century, when the town became known as the "Hat Capital of the World." During this period, Luton was home to over 100 hat factories, and the industry employed over 20,000 people. The hats produced in Luton were exported all over the world, and the town became a major center for fashion and style.

The Luton hat trade began to decline in the early 20th century, due to a number of factors, including the rise of new hat-making centers in other parts of the world and the changing fashion trends. By the mid-20th century, the industry was in decline, and by the end of the century, only a few hat factories remained in Luton.

Today, the Luton hat trade is a thing of the past, but the legacy of the industry can still be seen in the town. The Luton Museum and Art Gallery has a collection of hats and hat-making equipment, and there are a number of former hat factories in the town that have been converted into other uses.

The Luton Hat Museum

The Luton Hat Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Luton hat trade. The museum is located in the former factory of John Stetson, one of the most famous hat makers in the world. The museum has a collection of over 5,000 hats, as well as hat-making equipment and machinery. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops.

The Luton Hat Walk

The Luton Hat Walk is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors past some of the most important sites in the history of the Luton hat trade. The walk starts at the Luton Museum and Art Gallery, and takes visitors past the former hat factories of John Stetson, Christy's, and Dunstable Straw Hat Factory. The walk also passes by the Luton War Memorial, which commemorates the Luton hat makers who died in the First World War.

The Luton Hat Festival

The Luton Hat Festival is an annual festival that celebrates the history of the Luton hat trade. The festival features a variety of events, including hat-making workshops, hat shows, and live music. The festival is a great opportunity to learn more about the Luton hat trade and to see some of the amazing hats that were made in the town.

The Luton hat trade was a major industry in the town of Luton, England, for over 400 years. The industry employed thousands of people and produced millions of hats that were exported all over the world. Today, the Luton hat trade is a thing of the past, but the legacy of the industry can still be seen in the town. The Luton Museum and Art Gallery, the Luton Hat Walk, and the Luton Hat Festival are all great ways to learn more about the history of the Luton hat trade.

** SEO Title:** Dive into the Intriguing History of Luton's Illustrious Hat Trade with this Captivating Book

**Detailed Descriptive Image Alt Attributes:**

* **Hatters at Work:** A group of skilled hatters diligently crafting exquisite hats in a bustling Luton factory, capturing the essence of the town's thriving hat trade. * **Museum Display of Vintage Hats:** An array of meticulously preserved hats from the Luton hat trade, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry that made Luton renowned as the "Hat Capital of the World." * **Luton Hat Walk Trail Map:** A detailed map guiding visitors through the historic landmarks of the Luton hat trade, revealing the town's rich heritage as a center of hat making. * **Hat Festival Celebration:** A vibrant and lively hat-themed festival in Luton, featuring hat-making workshops, exhibitions, and performances, celebrating the enduring legacy of the hat trade.

THE LUTON HAT TRADE, A BRIEF HISTORY

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2162 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	55 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE