Every Wednesday morning John G (the Castle Manager) convenes a castle meeting, usually in the Castle tearooms near the coffee machine. Last week most of the time was spent double checking our planning checklists for the History Festival weekend.
John asked “where is the hessian? Who last saw it?”… Silence. We hoped Sally who runs the gift shop might know. However, she said she hoped Paul Barker the gardener might know where the rolls were. He replied he did not. John thought safer to order some more whilst we found it.
Hessian is incredibly useful. We use it to disguise the unsightly parts of tents and at Christmas it wraps around the large buckets in which we plant the Christmas trees. For the history festival weekend, it goes round the camel area and in front of the bookshelves in the library in just the same way as it was used during World War One when the castle was a hospital. It also helps to disguise the boring plastic tables in the History of Flight tent.
I am very fond of the camels, Max and Cleo. They were on parade last year for the Tutankhamun Weekend and I think it is wonderful that they will be here again, this time representing the role of the Camel corps in WW2. During WW2 camels saw action during military skirmishes as well as being used to transport the wounded through the deserts to hospital.
Hessian is also known as jute, one of the most affordable natural fibres. It likes warm wet climates and grows in low lying plains and standing water in countries such as Bangladesh where it is called the “golden fibre ” for its colour and value to local communities. Jute plants have a high biomass in that they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also require very little fertiliser, are pest-resistant and the resulting crop is very durable. This makes it a sustainable and very eco-friendly choice for a variety of products ranging from sacking, agricultural wrapping cloth, sandbags, cordage to cloth backing for flooring or pulp for paper production.
Jute seeds are planted between April and May and are harvested between July and August by which time they are 10 to 12 feet high with a cylindrical stalk that is about as thick as a finger. Once the plants reach maturity, they are harvested by cutting the stem close to the ground and allowing the plants to dry in the sun. Jute uses the fibres of the plant, which in their natural state are held together by gummy materials, and have to be softened and dissolved so the dried plants are then “retted”. This a process in which the fibres are separated from the stem by allowing them to decompose in water. This takes between 10–30 days after which the fibres are washed, dried, sorted, graded and ready to be used.
I knew something about jute as I went to St Andrews university and just 14 miles to the north is the city of Dundee. The very first ship to bring jute directly to Dundee arrived in 1840 and throughout much of the nineteenth century, some 50 000 people (half the working population of the city) were employed directly in the jute industry. More were involved in subsidiary industries. After WW2, however, factories in India took over the manufacturing and today the jute industry has completely disappeared from Dundee.
Jute has been used for centuries. In ancient Egypt, it was used to make a variety of products including ropes, sandals, and mats. The Roman author Pliny recorded that jute plants were also used as food in ancient Egypt. There is still is a popular soup made with minced jute leaves cooked with ground coriander, garlic and stock, along with rice and chicken or, more traditionally, rabbit. It is called Molokhia and made throughout much of Africa and the Middle East but the origins of the dish are said to be in ancient Egypt.
In both Buddhism and Hinduism, jute has been considered as a sacred and auspicious material, used to make the traditional saree garment worn during Hindi ceremonies and festivals. It is also used in religious ceremonies and rituals in Buddhist temples.
Such a long and multi-stranded history for a fabric we all rather take for granted.
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Lovely picture of Hessian and you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and lam fan of Downton Abbey and lovely Highcelere castle
I never knew jute had so many incredible uses. We should be planting this all over the world. As always your writing is amazing and very educational.
Thank you
I had to laugh this morning after reading the first two paragraphs because I was a bit confused being from the U.S.. The word “Hessian” to me meant German soldier, that along with your first picture, I was wondering if you had a German mannequin that was missing and wondering why in the world Sally was wondering if the gardener knew where the rolls were. Continuing on, I realized that you were talking about what we call hessian (jute), burlap!!!
It gave me a good laugh.
Thank you your enlightening blogs, I often learn something new.
God bless you!
Another very interesting blog ,such knowledge ,thank you
Such a wonderful and knowledgeable article, thank you dear Lady Fiona. On such a dismal, damp day in South Yorkshire today, this has really cheered me up. My late partner Brian was an avid gardener and always had lots of uses for hessian bags, etc on his allotment. It’s as you say such an under estimated fabric that wonderful Egyptians used every day. I’m looking forward to a, return visit to Highclere hopefully next year, with my friend Mavis. We didn’t have time (coach trip) to see the gardens or sample drinks (gin!!), hope to stay in Newbury next visit. Also can’t wait for the new Downton film to be released. Any idea when this could be. Take care
Look forward to seeing you next time!
The film is being edited etc – next September
So interesting. As I recover from hip replacement surgery and drink my cups of tea, I learn so much from your weekly jottings. Thank you. Understand, Lady Carnarvon you will be in the States this fall for a Tea function and I am sorry I am too far away to attend.
I made some scones and clotted cream from the Downton Abbey cookbook which turned out quite nicely for the guests who dropped in to visit me.
Sincerely,
Judi Heidkamp (86 years young)
Thank you for your multi-stranded blog this morning Lady Carnarvon. I never knew anything about jute. Plus – I have added a new word – hessian – to my vocabulary. So did anyone ever find the missing hessian?
Eventually …
Who woulda ever learned about Jute without your marvelous description?
Thank you for your Monday morning lessons. I luv’ em. Sandie. Whitefish. Montana USA.
Karen masternak I agree that the blog about hessian was most interesting and educational. Who would have guessed what hessian is if asked! Gardnerville, Nevada USA
Thank you!
Lady Carnarvon,
An interesting story about the multiple uses of jute! From soup to sari – one is amazed and amused! Thanks for another dive into the intricacies of Mother Nature and her English historian! Have a good week!
Martha G.
I have only heard the word Hessian used for the hired German soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War for Britain. At the end of that War many stayed, becoming farmers and merchants in the new country. Your story of growing jute, its manufacture and uses is very interesting. I hope it makes a comeback.
It is sustainable … not plastic
A question, a word, and you have an idea for another fun blog! And I learned something interesting once again. However when I saw the word, I was reminded of German soldiers during the American Revolution, albeit with a capital H!
Very interesting! It took me awhile to figure out that hessian is what we call burlap on the West Coast of the US!! It is a versatile cloth used all over the world. The key was when you mentioned the jute plant. Is there some relation to the Hesse region of Germany?
Dianne, Kirkland, Washington USA
Reading about something called Hessian & Jute is very unknown and new to me. Impressed again of your knowledge & history of those items.
From the title of your piece, I imagined a statue of what in America we associate with “Hessian”: German soldiers of fortune hired by European powers (the UK) in the early battles of the American “Revolution”. I couldn’t quite imagine what significance such a statue might have for the history of Highclere Castle, and was equally struck by the use of the word to describe a natural fiber well known here as “jute”.
Live and learn, eh?
Enjoyed the history of Hessian! I never knew that is lowly “jutes” proper name! We reside in NW Ohio and there is a road in our county named Hessian! Interesting to learn of the this remarkable plant and what it is used for. I would also say it is great for using when making crafts. Yards of it for Macrame’ projects and also just a few inches to tie around a gift or add a bit of farmhouse style to decorative items. Such a great multi-functional plant product! Enjoy your week and the upcoming History Festival!
It is an amazing plant and in some parts of the world there is so much rain
It is a useful plant! My husband and I, until this year had wall-to-wall carpet made of a combination of jute and sisal. Quite sturdy! We now have area rugs made of the same. I love the history of the plant.
Good morning from Wilmington North Carolina
Oh what interesting and inspiring reading from you and who knew that jute could be used in so many ways.. yes of course you did and now we all know too
Thank you for developing my brain some more and 0h yes.. did you find the hessian??
Kindly,
Christina
I have two rolls of hessian ..
As a longtime fan of all things British, especially Highclere, I find myself today pondering the one thing that probably impacts me the most…your amazing knowledge, Lady Carnarvon, of so many things I have never given a thought to!
Fascinating about hessian.
I hope you found your…German mercenary soldiers?
It took a while for an American reader to realiz(s)e you were writing about “burlap.”
But, as George Bernard Shaw (perhaps) said:
“England and America are two countries separated by the same language”
Ahh yes ! Burlap!!!
Ah so – I, too, was completely puzzled until the comparison with burlap.
Hi Lady Carnarvon I use Hessian sacks for storing my potatoes over the winter, it’s perfect for sacks as it is breathable and strong. When they do wear a bit thin you just compost them. My mum used to use it as a door mat which she refered to as the “Axminster”. As you alluded to in your very interesting article it has many other used too.
ENJOYED THE LOVELY STORIES , THANK YOU .
I loved your entry about Hessian. Where I grew up Hessian referred to the German soldiers who fought in the American Revolution
I think I have learnt a lot – about burlap!!
So many times we take for granted the products and materials we use. Thank you for the informative description of the plant grown to make jute. I’ve used it before and never thought of how it’s made. Jute, or hessian has a rough and earthy look to it but somehow adds to the atmosphere – not elegant but classic – doesn’t it? I love that you bring camels to Highclere, so appropriate with historical ties to Egypt. Have a great festival!
The camels are great!
ENJOYED STORIES , THANK YOU .
Very interesting and informative…but I must confess, when the question of “where’s the hessian?” was first mentioned, I imagined a painting of a historic relative, or perhaps a statuette, who was a hessian soldier or officer, had gone missing!
Lady Carnarvon,
Like Dianne Kirkland, above, I thought Hessian referred to a resident of the Hesse region of Germany.
Your writing often surprises and always informs your readers about topics we often are not familiar.
Not only do we adore reading your thoughts and plans for events at Highclere, each of your entries will be of vital importance to historians in coming years.
Wishing you and yours a lovely week.
Bon in BAMA
I love your blogs, and am in awe of how you think of such diverse and interesting subjects each week, as well as everything else you have to do – keep up the brilliant work!
You are kind
Another engaging post and an interesting one. It has sent me down a modest rabbit hole, where, within a few minutes, I have learned that: those Hessian mercinaries your followers have referenced hailed from German States having the prefix “Hesse-“; the term “burlap” is likely Middle English and refers to a rough rag (and can be made of other fibres such as hemp, too); the name “jute” has nothing to do Jutland, as I had previously supposed, but derives from the Bengali word “jhūṭo” or its Sanskrit root “jūṭa”, meaning ‘matted hair’. I had no inkling of any of that before so, thank you, Lady Carnarvon, for piquing my interest. All the best, Paul.
Lovely picture of hessian and did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and lam fan of Downton Abbey and lovely highcelere castle and l lovely your book you write
Wow, what an interesting read! When I was a little girl I helped out on my grandparents farm & my parents worked on the combine for potatoes & the potatoes were put in “burlap bags”. I helped too, what a dirty & dusty job, but I feel so blessed to have been able to work with my dear Mom & Dad (Rip)
Thank you,
Lady Carnarvon
Very interesting – but did you find the ‘mislaid’ hessian?
We have two new rolls
Where and when will you be in the US?
I am next in Willamsburg – it depends where I am asked to go!
Lady Carnarvon, I love jute. I got to know about it through my Mom In Law. A person can use it for so many things. I love the feel of it and the texture. Cheryl.
Thank you for another stimulating read. I had forgotten that Hessian was jute but do appreciate the multiple uses this amazing plant can be put to. Oh how I wish I lived back in the UK as I so enjoy all the history, beautiful gardens and being able to drive to visit Highclere often. You have such a variety of events throughout the year that it must be wonderful for those who live within an hour or two’s drive. Your History Festival Weekend will be so interesting. I look forward to reading about it and seeing your photographs.
I hope it will be fun
I love reading your blog! And now, as the big historical weekend approaches, I am holding on to each reference with great anticipation. I have tickets for Oct 6 and will be treating my parents as a surprise. I can’t wait to drive up to the castle with them! See you soon!
Very happy to see you there!
Now I’m wondering if hessian is synonymous with sisal. It sounds like hessian is also called burlap. The processing of the jute sounds very similar to that of flax. No longer in possession of good old books of encyclopedia, I’m resorting to Google for answers. Thank you a thought provoking blog.
Sunny, from Canada
My dear Lady Fiona,
All ready for Christmas,milady ??
Lovely week for you .
Best of luck.
Cheers.
Not yet!!! autumn first
P.S. 27 SEPTEMBER 2024 .
SO SAD , ABOUT THE DEAD OF MAGGUIE SMITH.
SO SAD. A LOVELY STAR IN THIS MOVIES.SPECIAL IN DOWNTON ABBEY.
So very interesting!! I am glad I was not the only one confused by the word “hessian” although it quickly became apparent that it was the same as burlap. I have always known the term as my great grandmother was born in Kassel en Hesse and immigrated to the US in 1865. Her temperament matched that of the Hessian soldiers recruited to fight for the English during the American Revolution… very feisty and tough. Is the term hessian for burlap used throughout Europe or just in England?
Dianne from Kirkland, Washington USA
Your posts are always so interesting and educational. Thank You!
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for sharing the fascinating history of jute and how the plant is harvested and prepared.
Like the commenter Penny, I am from the U.S. and thought you were referring to a German soldier statue! I love learning “new” terms.
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday’s blog.
The title of this article confused me though. I believe the “Hessians” were citizens from Germany who fought along with the Americans during the Revolutionary War.
I did enjoy reading the factual history of the jute plant and its many uses. For your information, in the United States, I believe it is known as “burlap”. Unfortunately, burlap can be quite a course material, and not always suitable for clothing.
Until next time, best wishes to you.
Perpetua Crawford
Greetings,
Thank you for sharing such powerful information as always! The Jute remind me of ‘Yucca leaves’ I’ve learned to use at day camps I would attend during summers as a teen in California. I was taught to soak the yucca leaves (which liquid can then also be used to clean the body) and then use a small piece of wood to smash the leave, until it could be used to make ‘rope’. Thank you for your posts as they are always refreshing and enlightening. As your younger cousin and a foreigner to Great Britain I am always enthralled to receive such privileged information and can’t wait to spend a few nights at Grotto Lodge in the future!
Fascinating. Thank you for teaching us something new once again, Dear Lady.