Since dress hems extended down to the feet for most of this period, it was necessary to raise the hem above the ground to keep the dress clean even in well-swept and paved streets. The motto of the London Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, the former representative guild for this trade, was and remains: Recipiunt Fœminæ Sustentacula Nobis, Latin for Women Receive Support From Us.
Throughout most of this period, as dress hems reached the feet, it became necessary to elevate them above the ground to maintain cleanliness in well-swept and paved streets. The motto of the London Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, the former guild for this trade, is: Women Accept Support From Us.