Frame knitting became a scattered industry.
By 1600 basement services were frequently found in town houses
built on restricted sites in London. Lastly, provision of water
supplies and improved sanitary arrangements reflected concern with
private and public health. There was virtually no drainage. In the
case of town houses, some owners would go to considerable effort
to solve drainage problems, often paying cash to the civic
authorities, but sometimes performing some service for the town at
Court or at Westminster, in return for unlimited water or some
drainage. Most affluent households, including the Queen's moved
from house to house, so their cesspits could be cleaned out and
the vacated buildings aired after use. A few cesspits were made
air tight. Otherwise, there was extensive burning of incense.
Refuse was emptied out of front doors and shoveled into heaps on
street corners. It was then dumped into the Thames or along the
highways leading out of town. People put on perfume to avoid the
stench. By 1600, the first toilet and water closet, where water
flushed away the waste, was built. This provided a clean toilet
area all year round. But these toilets were not much used because
of sewer smells coming from them. The sky above London was
darkened somewhat by the burning of coal in houses.
Taverns served meals as well as ale. They were popular meeting
places for both men and women of all backgrounds to met their
friends.
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