fellow villagers or call them in chasing a thief or other
offender. The forests were full of outlaws, so strangers who did
not blow a horn to announce themselves were presumed to be
fugitive offenders who could be shot on sight. An eorl could call
upon the ceorl farmers for about forty days to fight off an
invading group.

The houses of the wealthy had ornamented silk hangings on the
walls. Brightly colored drapery, often purple, and fly-nets
surrounded their beds, which were covered with the fur of
animals. They slept in bed-clothes on pillows stuffed with straw.
Tables plated with silver and gems held silver candlesticks, gold
and silver goblets and cups, and lamps of gold, silver, or glass.
They used silver mirrors and silver writing pens. There were
covered seats, benches, and footstools with the head and feet of
animals at their extremities. They ate from a table covered with
a cloth. Servants brought in food on spits, from which they ate.
Food was boiled, broiled, or baked. The wealthy ate wheat bread
and others ate barley bread. Ale made from barley was passed
around in a cup. Mead made from honey was also drunk.

Men wore long-sleeved wool and linen garments reaching almost to
the knee, around which they wore a belt tied in a knot. Men often
wore a gold ring on the fourth finger of the right hand. Leather
shoes were fastened with leather thongs around the ankle. Their
hair was parted in the middle and combed down each side in waving
ringlets. The beard was parted in the middle of the chin, so that
it ended in two points. The clergy did not wear beards. Ladies
wore brightly colored robes with waist bands, headbands,
necklaces, gem bracelets, and rings. Their long hair was in