The History of House Slippers

Cosy, soft, comfortable, luxurious and refined, warming or cooling to the feet, worn-out or carefully stored only for special guests - everyone has their own beloved house slippers. At home I currently wear a pair crocheted by my mother. Yet I have always been fascinated by Victorian ladies' slippers on an elegant little heel with a vintage rose pattern. In different eras they have served both as practical footwear and as a symbol and part of rituals. So what is the history of house slippers?