Well-to-do people drank imported tea and coffee, sometimes from
porcelain ware, and usually after dinner or supper. Most tea
leaves were brewed first for the family and guests and a second
time for the servants; then they were given to the servants'
relatives or friends. Queen Mary encouraged the fashion of
collecting Chinese porcelain. The rich had red or black and gilt
lacquered cabinets and cupboards. Oak gave way to walnut, with its
variegated surfaces. There were grandfather clocks. Some
fireplaces now had cast-iron firebacks. Stuffing began to be
upholstered to woodwork benches. Chairs were taller in the back.
Ladies did needlework to cover them and also made patchwork
quilts. Cane seats came into fashion.
From the spring of 1665 to the end of 1666 there was a Great
Plague, mostly in London. It was the last and worst plague since
the Black Death of 1348. It lasted over a year and about one-third
died from it. Households with a plague victim were walled up with
its residents inside to reduce contagion, and then marked with a
red cross. Church bells tolling their requiems clanged in
ceaseless discord. The mournful cry "bring out your dead" echoed
in deserted streets. At night groups of people shoveled the
corpses into open graves. To prepare for this revolting task, they
often first became drunk out of their senses. People took wild
beliefs in hope of avoiding the plague.
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