In the early years of the 16th century Catherine of Aragon was imprisoned in Ampthill, Bedfordshire for a short time whilst divorce proceedings were being taken against her by Henry VIII.
From the 16th century there are frequent references to the working of 'bone lace' being taught to the children of poor people in workhouses in order that they might earn something towards the cost of their keep.
However, the invention of the bobbinet machine in nearby Nottingham meant that machine-made lace could be made far cheaper.
The styles of the lace made would have varied at different periods, reflecting what was fashionable at the time.
This style, now described as Bedfordshire or Beds lace, often has a plaited headside known as nine pin.