Strifflers Straw plaiting was a labor-intensive process that required skill, patience, and a keen eye for detail. The straw was first split into thin strips, which were then woven together to create a plait. The plaits were sold to hat makers, who used them to create a variety of headwear. The straw plaiting industry was primarily centered in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, where the soil and climate were ideal for growing the type of wheat used for plaiting. The industry was dominated by women and children, who could work from home while also taking care of their families. Straw plaiting was a crucial source of income for many rural families, but it was also a precarious one. The price of straw plaits was subject to fluctuations in the market, and many plaiters struggled to make a living wage. In addition, the industry was highly competitive, with many plaiters working long hours for little pay. Despite these challenges, straw plaiting remained a popular occupation for rural workers throughout the 19th century. However, the industry began to decline in the early 20th century, as machine-made hats became more popular and the demand for straw plaits decreased. Today, straw plaiting is a dying art, with few practitioners remaining. However, it remains an important part of England's rural heritage, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote the craft. In conclusion, strifflers, or straw plaiters, were a group of rural workers who made their living by weaving straw into plaits. The industry was primarily centered in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, and was dominated by women and children. Despite the challenges of the industry, straw plaiting remained a crucial source of income for many rural families throughout the 19th century. Today, the craft is preserved and promoted by a small but dedicated group of practitioners. 8. Lowes of Milford, 1750 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460 Today, straw plaiting is a dying craft, with only a few dedicated artisans keeping the tradition alive. However, the legacy of the strifflers can still be seen in the many straw-plaited items that have survived from the 18th and 19th centuries. These items are not only beautiful examples of traditional craftsmanship, but also a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the strifflers who made them. In conclusion, strifflers were an important group of artisans who played a significant role in the rural economies of 18th and 19th century England. Through their skill and dedication, they created a wide variety of straw-plaited items that are still cherished today. Although the craft of straw plaiting has largely disappeared, the legacy of the strifflers lives on in the many beautiful and historic items that they created.
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