Ezekiel Paternoster b 1810 (far rhs with bushy white beard) was my 2nd Great Grandfather. He was an agricultural labourer on an estate in Rushmere St Andrew, Suffolk. The hip length capes of the ladies are very masculine and functional as befitted their country style of living. However, this was the era of
La Belle Epoque and in high society the capes were embellished with embroidery, lace and beading etc and were much more frivolous in appearance. The double layered cape worn by the 3rd lady from the left was introduced in 1894. The little round hats that they are wearing date from late 1880's. Submitted by Katarzyna
