of the reach of most householders, if made in gold, become very
available in silver. Silver is particularly adapted to daily use,
for the necessary washing and polishing which it receives keeps
it in good condition, and there is no danger from poison through
corrosion, as with copper and brass.

In the middle ages the customary pieces of plate in English homes
were basins, bottles, bowls, candlesticks, saucepans, jugs, dishes,
ewers and flagons, and chafing-dishes for warming the hands, which
were undoubtedly needed, when we remember how intense the cold
must have been in those high, bare, ill-ventilated halls! There
were also large cups called hanaps, smaller cups, plates, and
porringers, salt-cellars, spoons, and salvers. Forks were of much
later date.

There are records of several silver basins in the Register of John
of Gaunt, and also in the Inventory of Lord Lisle: one being "a
basin and ewer with arms" and another, "a shaving basin." John of
Gaunt also owned "a silver bowl for the kitchen." If the mediæval
household lacked comforts, it could teach us lessons in luxury
in some other departments! He also had a "pair of silver bottles,
partly gilt, and enamelled, garnished with tissues of silk, white
and blue," and a "casting bottle" for distributing perfume: Silver
candelabra were recorded; these, of course, must have been in constant
service, as the facilities for lighting were largely dependent upon
them. When the Crown was once obliged to ask a loan from the Earl
of Salisbury, in 1432, the Earl received, as earnest of payment,
"two golden candelabra, garnished with pearls and precious stones."

In the Close Roll of Henry III. of England, there is found an