TUDOR HOUSES IN DORSET. 77 



Black or Spanish work was introduced by Catherine of 

 Aragon, an indefatigable needle-woman. 



Many of the so-called Stuart stump pictures are undoubtedly 

 Tudor. 



A sampler of 1546 has been noted. [_W. Antiquary III, 29]. 



Besides fine needlework much spinning was carried on ; and 

 there was in most houses a hand loom for weaving cloth for 

 the household. [Illustrated in Wright, 483]. 



The West of England was noted for its cloth, and many of 

 the present gentry are descended from clothiers. A school of 

 tapestry was established in the reign of Henry VIII. 



JEWELS AND TRINKETS. 



A great deal of jewellery was worn with the magnificent 

 costumes; and the same precious stones as now were used. 

 Some of the Renaissance examples of setting are very beautiful, 

 and often combined with enamelling. An enseigne or badge 

 was a jewelled gold medal worn in the hat. A pomander, or 

 perfume case, hung from the girdle. Gold chains were of the 

 broad flat type. There is a unique collection in the British 

 Museum; and many examples may be noticed in miniature and 

 other portraits. Holbein designed many jewels for the Court. 



SOCIAL LIFE. 



The hours of meals underwent few changes. Breakfast was 

 served at 7, dinner at 1 1 or noon, and supper between 5 and 6, 

 the intervals being about 4 hours. Sometimes there was 

 refreshment between meals called a " bever." No forks being 

 employed until the reign of James I, there was much washing 

 of hands before and after feeding, hence the saying " fingers 

 before forks." 



In early days two persons helped themselves from the same 

 dish, then four formed a " mess." Ale and wine were the 

 customary drinks, tea and coffee being unknown. Banquets 

 or " rere-suppers " took place after supper, choice wines, 



