Whilst writing my blog on the history of halls, I was trying to imagine what living in a medieval hall would be like, one thing that struck me was how smokey it would have been. I found this picture on the web recently, taken at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, which has rescued several old English buildings from destruction. They have recreated a medieval hall, and that's what you can see above. Thought it was a suitably smokey image for Guy Fawkes Night!! (I don't know how that lived with all that smoke!!)
That reminds me of my aunt and uncle's house, Andy! They both smoked like chimneys, three packs a day each, and their home was filled with a perpetual haze just like your photo. When you left, your cloths positively wreaked! GROSS! You couldn't WAIT to get home and change --the drive home was torture.
ReplyDeleteCough,Cough.......
ReplyDeleteOh there you are Andy......smoke really does get in your eyes!!
Not surprising they didn't live very long.
I trust your not a smoker now John??
Hi Andy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture. In all honesty, I wish I would of read your blog before I started construction on Dewell Manor. Your information is great and well researched. I get excited every time I see you added a post.
Have a great week,
Giac
Hi John, I don't know how anyone ever managed to breathe! In the bad old days, when I was younger, I used to come back from a night out clubbing to find I smelt of cigarettes, Yuk! but you don't get that now as people aren't allowed to smoke in any public building. trouble now is that the places are mostly empty as everyone is crowded outside puffing away!
ReplyDeleteit's easy to ses why chimneys became so popular! mind you having said that, I think they used to think smoke was healthy as it kept away pests and diseases.
what's happened to your picture Fi?
ReplyDeleteThanks Giac, that's really nice of you to say that! I enjoy seeing the progress on your house, and the fine quality of your workmanship too, which I have probably mentioned before, but am happy to keep repeating!!
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