A Glossary: H

Hall

Neuschwanstein, Germany (Castles of the World)

A room used as the principal living quarters. Meals were eaten there and it was also the place where entertainments and ceremonies took place. Occasionally guests would sleep there. Some halls were in the bailey against the walls of the castle, others were free standing or occasionally they were in the keep. The very first halls did not have a fireplace and depended on an open hearth fire, in the middle of the floor, for heating which would have made them very smoky and a fire hazard. The floor in early castles would be of beaten earth and covered with fresh straw or rushes but later on it would be paved. The kitchens would be close by so that food was not too cold when it was served. There were usually large windows to provide light

Hoarding

See Brattice

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