IN 1807 the Marquis of Buckingham, who lived at Gosfield Hall, began a tradition of hat making that continues in the village to this day.

Now, former Hedingham School pupil Tobias Knights is ensuring the village’s long heritage continues by launching Atelier, his custom hat business, from his studio in Gosfield.

Tobias uses British, Italian, and Japanese cloths, leathers and trimmings to make his hats, and is hoping to continue the history of high-quality hats in the village.

The 25-year-old said: “I didn’t actually know about Gosfield’s hat history until after I launched the business and one of my mums friends mentioned it.

“It is quite nice really, and it almost makes you think it was meant to be when things click in to place like that.

“I am really focused on luxury quality. These hats can last you a lifetime, and I want to make hats people will wear throughout their life.

“At a time of global consumption exploiting natural resources and unfair labour, particularly in China, it’s nice to offer my clients a piece of British design and quality product.”

Tobias has previously trained as a men’s tailor with Joshua Kane, dressing the likes of Russell Brand, Jimmy Q, Oliver Proudlock and Jack Guinness.

Tobias designs and makes all the hats, including Trilbys, fedoras and Hombergs, himself.

He said: “I completed my degree at Brighton University, and then I began training as a tailor. I moved back to Brighton after travelling for a couple of years, and started working with a women who made hats.

“It was really enjoyable to retrain, and it is pretty close to tailoring.

“I have always been interested in accessories, and in particular hats, so it was quite a logical transition.”

Visit www.tobiasknights.com or find Tobias Knights on Facebook