During the 17th century plague, doctors were said to have worn long cloak, grotesque bird-like mask, a wide-brimmed hat, and wooden cane, serving as protection against the odors coming from the plague. It was a particular sight for sure.

While today one can still find a lot of images on the way doctors were dressed during the 17th-century plague in Italy, the same cannot be said about England. Here there is no evidence about such a costume to have ever been worn.