80 
The surroundings, floors, etc., were frequently exceedingly 
filthy and repulsive from the habit of flinging all refuse on 
them. Erasmus made bitter complaint of this fact. The 
floors were themselves of beaten earth and they were covered 
with rushes and, for especial cases, flowers. The phrase 
“ not caring a rush ” refers to the practice of spreading 
fresh rushes for honoured guests, and not for those of less 
respect. 
Table cloths were in use as is shown by “ Ivanhoe,” but 
damask was not introduced until later and Ben Jonson 
mentions a damask table-cloth as costing £18. 
Crockery for table use is of late re-invention and drinking 
vessels were of various materials. Sharon Turner has rescued 
many references, chiefly in wills, to drinking vessels of the 
precious metals. Wooden plates, cups, and trenchers were 
in common use even in Elizabeth’s household. The word 
“ trencherman ” still survives. Following wooden cups and 
dishes came pewter vessels and these are frequently mentioned 
in wills. The wealthier Saxons delighted in vessels of gold 
and other precious metals. In York Cathedral there is still 
preserved the horn of Ulphus, an ivory vessel, once richly 
ornamented, which was given by the chief as a token and 
confirmation of the gift of certain lands to the Minster. Other 
vessels were of leather, as the black jack, which led one French 
visitor to report that the English drank out of their boots. 
In ancient days each man carried his own knife, which, 
besides being in use for table purposes, was a weapon of 
offence and defence. Chaucer speaks of a “ Sheffield thwitel.” 
Henry VI. left his knife and spoon at Bolton Hall. Richard 
Matthews, on Fleet Bridge, is stated to have been the first 
Englishman who attained to perfection in the making of 
knives and in the time of Elizabeth he secured a monopoly. 
There was, however, a Cutlers’ Company before that, as 
early as 1417. Knives were regarded as fitting presents, 
especially to brides. In most houses a whetstone hung 
behind the door for the use of guests. 
From a rare book by Thomas Coryate, entitled “ Crudities,” 
we learn that he introduced the use of the fork into this 
country, having found it in use in Italy. It is said to have 
been first invented in 1379, but Coryate’s introduction was 
not until Stuart times. 
The salt-cellar was an important feature of mediaeval 
tables. It marked the division of social rank. Those of 
high degree sat above the salt, those of inferior degree found 
