Well this is turning int a learning experience. The frilly thing worn around the neck is called a Jabot. I only know this because the Mayor told me. They evolved from the frilly lace edging on shirts of the seventeenth century.
One story is that they became a political mark of allegiance during the civil war, when Prince Rupert had his throat cut in a skirmish and survived by wrapping a frilly shirt sleeve around his neck to seal the wound.
The Prince’s followers did the same as a mark of respect and thus the Jabot was born. A tale as good as that is worth retelling, even if its origins are highly suspect.
Thankfully the town council can provide a Jabot for my Town Crier’s regalia (even better word than livery) so I don’t have to go hunting for lace.