Fending off the winter chill

BITTERLY cold winters saw our ancestors swathing themselves in extra layers of clothes and huddling around open fires.

- Stephen Guy

The poor were not so fortunate and were dependent on the generosity of others, particularly in the festive season.

Medieval homes did not have the benefits of modern insulation materials. Many had no glass in their small windows, using shutters and basic curtains to keep out the elements.

This could also be the case in the largest buildings, stone castles and fortresses, which could be very cold indeed.

The aristocracy hung thick tapestries on the interior walls of their strongholds. Security meant arrow slits were widespread - they also kept the weather out better than windows.

Until the advent of central heating and double glazing, mostly in public buildings, in the 19th century everyone wore lots of clothes.

Hats were considered essential in winter, as they reduced heat loss through the head.