Maddy and I were addressing the rather limited question of whether or
not dirt house floors were swept clean or allowed to gather debris. I
don't think either of us would argue that there wasn't a lot of filth
and debris elsewhere, including yards, streets, etc. And even though we
know floors were swept, we cannot say how often. Certain areas would
have been dirty at various times, particularly after people came in with
dirty boots from farm or craft work. Even on a `clean' stone floor a
trailing dress would soon get pretty grimy. And how often would a long
dress (or any other garment) have been changed and washed? I don't see
a contradiction. Both sources are likely right, from their particular
perspectives.
Ron
--
Dr. Ronald A. Ross
School of History and Welsh History
University of Wales (Bangor)
Siliwen Road
Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. LL57 2DG
Telephone 01248-382154
E-mail [log in to unmask]
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