From Somewhere in Time

I spotted these boots in one of the upmarket chains. They're called "Alice in Wonderland" boots, although I can't imagine why.

I've just come back from a short research trip, and have been looking at photos that Carroll took, as well as ones he bought and acquired from other photographers. I was struck by the peculiar shoes that children did wear then- very flat, almost like slippers, held on with a strap. Their little feet must have slipped out of them all the time. Of course nobody cared if their clothes were comfortable or convenient. Both boys and girls wore these shoes in early life, and, as is well known, both sexes were dressed the same until they were four or five.

The pictures that Carroll purchased and kept in an album did not include many of children, but there was one taken by O.G. Rejlander showing Hallam Tennyson, the poet's son. Hallam looked at least seven but he had long ringlets like a girl and was apparently wearing a pirate-style greatcoat. He was moodily lit, glaring centre left, and looked very splendid, brooding and distinctly odd, as though he was practising for a future role as lead romantic hero in "Wuthering Heights."

The picture did not show his boots, but it would have been interesting to see the rest of his outfit.