Queries on Costume

In Wilson's *Life of De Foe* there is an anecdote of Charles II. concealing himself, when a fugitive from Worcester, beneath a lady's hoop, while his pursuers searched the house in which he had taken refuge. Were hoops worn so early as the year 1651? In the *Book of Costume* I find no mention of them before the beginning of the eighteenth century; but I do not think this circumstance conclusive, as the "Lady of Rank" is not always very accurate. Writing in the reign of Anne, she says, "Fans were now very much used," but omits to mention that they were in fashion long before, having been indisp…