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Poet Don 
John Hetherington
When London Haberdasher John Hetherington
Wore the first top hat public (London Town)
In seventeen ninety seven to onlookers
The women did faint, did fall down
You’re a mine of information….
Thankyou….
Don Matthews
September 2020
January 15, 1797 — English haberdasher John Hetherington supposedly caused a riot when he first wore a top hat in public today.
Reportedly, “he appeared on the public highway wearing upon his head what he called a silk hat (which was shiny lustre and calculated to frighten timid people)” and the officers of the Crown stated that “several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed, dogs yelped and a younger son of Cordwainer Thomas was thrown down by the crowd which collected and had his right arm broken.”
He was arraigned before the Lord Mayor on a charge of breach of the peace and inciting a riot, and was required to post a £500 bond.
These people regularly attended public executions and yet they were shocked by a top hat…no accounting for taste, huh?
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Interesting how attitudes change with time…. Like Jean Shrimpton shocking the world with a dress five inches above the knee……
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According to WIkipedia, the year may off here.
But -wow- this is quite the tidbit! I knew nothing about this – thanks!
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Yes, it was interesting…..
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