In Walkern, in the mid 19th Century, a number of women and children living in the lanes, the poorer accommodation in Walkern, were employed in straw plaiting.
With Luton being the centre of the British straw hat production, the production of the raw material, straw plait, gave employment to thousands of women and children in the neighbouring area. Most of the straw plaiters were married to agricultural labourers. The money earned from this cottage industry helping to boost the families meagre income. At its peak, straw plaiting wives could earn more than their husbands,
In 1861, there were 77 plaiters in Walkern (19% of females). 12 of these were under the age of 15, with the youngest being 7. The oldest straw plaiter was 75 year old Elizabeth Godfrey. Walkern also had plait dealers, Joseph and Sarah Warner, who were husband and wife. Emma Kitchener was also in the village and a bonnet sewer.
Given the importance of this cottage industry to Women of Walkern, Veronica Main, an expert in both the history and skill was invited to Walkern to teach a small group of women how to straw plait.
On 12th April 2024, some of the group were taught how to prepare the straw. A sheaf of traditional straw had been obtained from a specialist supplier. The straw is longer and hollow stemmed and therefore ideal for plaiting.
The group were taught how to cut off the ear, and remove the straw that would be suitable for plaiting. The straw then needed to be sorted according to size and cut before it was ready for use.
On 13th April 2024, we were taught how to plait. Veronica decided we should go straight in, learning how to create a 7 end plait. To start with we learnt with art straws before moving on to straw and then split straw.
It was then over to us to pass on the skills we’d learned. On 1st May 2024, we gave a talk and demonstration to the Walkern History Society members, which got us ready for Walkern Fair on 5th May 2024.
We’ve since led ‘have a go’ demonstrations for Trefoil Guild Groups, both Knebwoth and Welwyn and Ware. We’ve also held a couple of smaller sessions in the Pigeon Hut.
We also had a stand at the Walkern Country Fair on 30th August 2025.
We have a display at the Pigeon Hut and are always willing to share our knowledge and give ‘Have a Go’ Demonstrations please Contact Us or Email curator@walkernhistorysociety.co.uk
