Publisher's description and from the back cover:
Brooches, rings, buckles, pendants, buttons, purses and other accessories were part of everyday dress in the middle ages. Over two thousand such items dating from the period 1150-1450 are described and discussed here, all found in recent archaeological excavations in London - then as now one of western Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, its social and economic activity compounded by the waterside bustle of the Thames.
These finds constitute the most extensive and varied group of such accessories yet recovered in Britain, and their close dating and the scientific analysis carried out on them have been highly revealing. Important results published here for the first time show, for example, the popularity of shoddy, mass-produced items in base metals during the high middle ages and enable researchers to identify the varied products of rival traditions of manufacture mentioned in historical sources. Anyone needing accurate information on period costume will welcome this book, which will appeal to the general reader interested in costume and design, as well as to archaeologists and historians.

Contents:
page VII Introduction, Geoff Egan
XIII Introduction to the second edition, Geoff Egan
1 Dating and Context of the Finds, Geoff Egan
13 Alloy Nomenclature, Justine Bayley
18 The Metal Dress Accessories - Some Observations, Geoff Egan
35 Girdles, Frances Pritchard
50 Buckles, Geoff Egan
124 Strap-ends, Frances Pritchard
162 Mounts, Geoff Egan
244 Combination of Diverse Strap Fittings and Possible Ensuite Items, Geoff Egan
247 Brooches, Geoff Egan
272 Buttons, Geoff Egan
281 Lace Chapes, Geoff Egan
291 Hair Accessories, Frances Pritchard
297 Pins, Frances Pritchard
305 Beads, Geoff Egan
318 Chains, Geoff Egan
321 Pendants, Geoff Egan
325 Finger Rings, Frances Pritchard
336 Bells, Frances Pritchard
342 Purses, Frances Pritchard
358 Cased Mirrors, Geoff Egan
366 Combs, Frances Pritchard
377 Cosmetic Sets, Frances Pritchard
384 Needlecases, Frances Pritchard
387 Metallurgical Analysis of the Dress Accessories, Mike Heyworth
396 Conservation, Rose Johnson
400 Acknowledgements
402 Bibliography