A TALK on the story of Spirella corsets was given to members of the Royston & District Local History Society. Robert Lancaster spoke about the iron corsets worn in the 16th century and the introduction of whalebones to the garmet. In 1904, an American dev

A TALK on the story of Spirella corsets was given to members of the Royston & District Local History Society.

Robert Lancaster spoke about the iron corsets worn in the 16th century and the introduction of whalebones to the garmet.

In 1904, an American developed the Spirella stays for corsets which gave them greater flexibility.

Spirella arrived in Letchworth in 1910 and its modern factory was developed in 1920.

The company, said Mr Lancaster, was at its peak in the 1930s and 1940s.

The business closed in 1989.