Here in the hall, the mumming and the loaf-stealing, and other Christmas sports, were performed.
The hearth was commonly in the middle, whence the saying, “Round about our coal-fire.”
A neat-built chapel, and a spacious hall, were all the rooms of note, the rest more small.
Private Armories.
Every baron and gentleman of estate kept great horses for men at arms. Some had their armories sufficient to furnish out some hundreds of men.
Justices’ Halls.
The halls of the justices of peace were dreadful to behold; the screen was garnished with corselets and helmets gaping with open mouths, with coats of mail, lances, pikes, halberds, brown bills, batterdastors, and buckles.
Inns.
Public inns were rare. Travellers were entertained at religious houses for three days together, if occasion served.