A codpiece was the height of fashion for the 16th century gent – but just what did he keep there?.

Bob Holsman, head of the team of costumed characters who will show visitors round Stirling Castle’s soon-to-open Renaissance royal palace, has been doing some research. Known as ‘yer pooch’ (or pouch) in Scotland, they were a great place to keep a clean handkerchief – essential for a man of social standing. In some cases Bob says they could also be used for storing snacks, including fruit and nuts.

Bob’s team of costumed characters are brilliant because they actually introduce you to the everyday realities of the past and the people who lived there.

When the newly refurbished palace opens to the public, with a grand weekend of celebrations on 4 and 5 June, they will be on hand to show people round its six fabulously refurbished royal apartments. They will take on the roles of guards, nobles and servants and explain what their lives were like – what they ate, drank and wore, as well as exploring their hopes, fears, joys and tragedies.

If you meet them, you can ask about the queen’s knickers. They aren’t sure if she wore any during the 1540s, the period in which the palace recreation is set.

Mary of Guise, dowager queen and widow of James V, was certainly a very fashionable woman and may have started wearing them at this time, like her relative Catherine de Medici. But so far the costume research by Bob and his colleagues can only categorically prove that she had adopted them in the 1550s.

To make sure you don’t miss our weekend of opening celebrations book now.

Matthew Shelley, Stirling Castle communications