17th Century Living RoomsPage 1
During the first half of the seventeenth century, life at home for the middling sort centred on a room known as the 'hall'. It was where the household gathered together to dine, socialise and entertain guests. Items such as virginals (a musical instrument), backgammon boards and Bibles are listed in the inventories of these spaces indicating some of the activities - making music, gaming and reading - that would have taken place there.
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Illustration from 'A pleasant Country new Ditty: Merrily shewing how to drive the Cold Winter away', c. 1610; woodblock print.
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