World House News

Windows were very rare and light would usually come from candles or lamps which burnt animal fat and a central fire built on a raised clay hearth. Hearths were normally oblong or rectangular and often had a frame of wood or stone. The windows may have had vellum stretched over them, as this allows light in but keep draughts out or, rarely, may have been glazed. Windows might also have been shuttered. The fire was the 'central heating' and 'cooker', although a few houses may also have had a clay bread oven.

Doors had iron or wood hinges and were closed with a latch. Some doors would also have a lock. The floors would have been of packed earth or wood. The wooden floors may have been just easy floorboards or may have been made of tessellated wooden tiles. There is also some proof that halls may have had raised wooden floors, with steps leading up to the entrance.