Wolsey is a sock pattern that celebrates the elaborate patterning found on chimneys in the Tudor Period in England. The inspiration comes from a chimney stack at Hampton Court Palace, commissioned by Thomas Wolsey in 1514.

The sock is one size, worked over 71 stitches although it would be easy enough to add extra purl stitches at the sides if you want something a little bigger. The pattern is ribbed in nature so pulls the fabric in, although there is plenty of stretch in it. The photographs show the sock on very wide feet which are comfortably accommodated.

The back of the leg is worked in different patterning to the front, as there are so many delightful Tudor patterns to choose from! You can go with this, or simply repeat the front panel across the back if you prefer. Or do one sock with the front and back sections reversed, to really show off your skills!