The Peverel Shirt

The striking Peverel Shirt, made from a one-of-a-kind blue and cream stripped organic cotton, offers one of the most distinctive additions to your wardrobe.

It was our own hunt for a shirt we loved that started our foray into shirt-making. We just couldn't find one that encompassed all the features we loved... so we set about creating it ourselves.

Our shirts are directly inspired by patterns dating back to the 1930s. We have sought the very best cottons to offer four unique options for your wardrobe. They combine our passion for authenticity with our drive to creating a versatile garment that is made to last. All Made in England.

A few details that we love about our shirts...

• The single cuff, with double button - a very period feature, since lost in modern shirt designs. This allows the wearer two options with just one shirt.
• Our shirt arms are also a little longer, to allow for the billowed look often seen in period shirts at the time - it means you enjoy a good bit of cuff when worn under a suit jacket.
• We love the authentic 'fisheye' buttons we have opted for. Not only because they are made in England and about as authentic as they get, they are made entirely from Corozo and thus natural & biodegradable.
• Our shirt collars are directly inspired by British shirt collars of the 1930s. After many years of research and collecting collar after collar, shirt after shirt, we chose an understated and authentic 'spearpoint', most often seen in 1930s Britain. Unlike the overly long 'spearpoint' collars, our style is by far the most versatile collar we have come across. Easily worn with a tie, it can be worn with or without collar pin. Or it can be worn without a tie also, buttoned up, or open, with or without a neckerchief. Our shirts truly offer a formal as well as informal option for any ensemble.

We'll be writing a little more on the history of the 'spearpoint' collar and its various incarnations for The Biggs Journal soon.

• The half fronted placet really adds the final touch and allows us to offer extra long shirt tails, allowing you to remain 'tucked in' at all times, regardless of what you get up to.

The Peverel Shirt takes us back in time further than we have ever gone before. All the way to the Norman Conquest, and to a Norman Knight known as William Peverel the Elder. A favourite of William the Conqueror, Peverel was handsomely rewarded for his loyalty and bravery during the Norman Conquest of England.

Such was the reward, William decided to remain in England, where he raised his family and began to leave his mark on the land by way of castles; he is noted in The Domesday Book as having 'built castles'.

He held over one hundred and sixty-two manors/castles across the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area. One of the less known castles under his charge was Codnor Castle. Now in ruins, the castle is just a short walk from the Stanley Biggs store. Its elevated location has been a favourite location of ours, often providing inspiration for the brand on our walks to and from the ancient site.

You only need to head into the Peak District, or south to Nottingham and you will come across more castles built by William Peverel. Peveril Castle in Castleton and Nottingham Castles are the most noteworthy. It is with his links to Nottingham Castle that William Peverel is considered the first Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests.