70 TUDOR HOUSES IX DORSET. 



Sussex turned out large quantities of fire utensils, before the 

 woods became exhausted. There are some notable sixteenth 

 century specimens in the S. Kensington Museum (See Garner 

 & Stratton plate clxxix). 



Of pewter there is a fine collection in the museum at 

 Taunton. 



A fine bronze standard bushel measure, inscribed "Elizabeth 

 Reg." and dated 1601, is in the museum at Dorchester. 



HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. 



The furniture was usually of oak, as being most durable and 

 readily procurable. It was first Gothic in style, frequently 

 painted in bright colours, and ornamented by strips of carpet 

 and hangings. The linen-fold panel was the favourite design. 



The hall was sparsely furnished in the early period, and the 

 fittings rudely constructed. 



The lord's table on the dais was a "dormant "one. Such 

 tables were framed or joyned, often called "refectory" tables. 

 Later, the ends of the top were ingeniously made to draw out ; 

 hence the term "draw tables." The rougher type the trestle 

 table consisted of boards laid on trestles, which were easily 

 removed after supper, so that the men might sleep on the floor 

 around the fire. Sometimes the chair or settle was convertible 

 into a table by the hinged back folding over. Settles were 

 placed near the fire to protect the occupants from the draughts. 



On the da'is on one side stood the buffet with its carved 

 shelves, resting on four legs, open below and canopied above, 

 on which was displayed the gold and silver plate. 



Chairs were scarce, and only provided for the lord and 

 perhaps his lady. Other persons sat on long forms or joyned 

 stools covered with carpet, strips of Turkey work, or cushions. 



After the great hall fell into disuse, a smaller room, the 

 "privie parloir," leading from it was fitted up for the family 

 use. The buffet had now developed into a court cupboard on 

 four legs, open below or with a shelf, the canopy gone. It 

 contained several recesses enclosed by panelled doors with the 

 frame work richly carved, and was used for storing apparel, 

 armour, &c. 



