the Greeks, and
was ultimately adopted by the Romans. It was worn in this country, in
a variety of forms and lengths until the end of the fifteenth century.
(Costumes in England, by Fairholt, ed. by Hon. H. Dillon, Vol. II.)

[l] _Royal Mandate, enjoining the exclusion of Leprous persons front
the City._

20 Edward III. A.D. 1346. Letter-Book F. fol. cxvi. (Latin.)

"EDWARD, by the grace of God, etc. Forasmuch as we have been given to
understand, that many persons, as well of the city aforesaid, as
others coming to the said city, being smitten with the blemish of
leprosy, do publicly dwell among the other citizens and sound persons,
and there continually abide; and do not hesitate to communicate with
them, as well in public places as in private; and that some of them,
endeavouring to contaminate others with that abominable blemish, (that
so, to their own wretched solace, they may have the more fellows in
suffering,) as well in the way of mutual communications, and by the
contagion of their polluted breath, do so taint persons who are sound,
both male and female, to the great injury of the people dwelling in
the city, aforesaid, and the manifest peril of other persons to the
same city resorting;--We, wishing in every way to provide against the
evils and perils which from the cause aforesaid may unto the said
city, and the whole of our realm, arise, do command you, strictly
enjoining, that immediately on seeing these presents, you will cause
it to be publicly proclaimed on our behalf in every Ward of the city
aforesaid, and in the suburbs thereof, where you shall deem it
expedient, that all persons who have such blemish, shall, within
fifteen days from the date of these presents, quit the city and the
suburbs aforesaid, on the peril which is thereunto attached, and
betake themselves to places in the country, solitary, and notably
distant from the said city and suburbs, and take up their dwelling
there; seeking their victuals, through such sound persons as may think
proper to attend thereto, wheresoever they may deem it expedient. And
that no persons shall permit such leprous people to dwell within their
houses and buildings in the City, and in the suburbs aforesaid, on
pain of forfeiture of their said houses and buildings, and more
grievous punishment on them by us to be inflicted, if they shall
contravene the same. And further, taking with you certain discreet
and lawful men who have the best knowledge of this disea