Drink

Ale and beer were amongst the main beverages during the early 17^th Century. Water, on the other hand, was looked on with suspicion (due mostly to its colouration).

Ale, originally made from barley, was the more traditional drink of the two. Beer was made from both barley and hops (which were added during the brewing process) and originated from the Dutch.

During the 17^th Century coffee houses became very popular amongst the gentry as places of learning. They were also known to be frequented by less aspiring scholars who only went there to talk about matters of the day and drink ale or beer.

Many coffee houses were associated with a particular social groups. Some would attract aspiring actors, others would be the haunt of scholars of differing professions. Many landlords were worried that the rise of coffee house in London would damage their existing trade but this proved not to be the case.

Coffee was a controversial introduction. In 1674 a womens' petition appeared in London stating that coffee "made men as unfruitful as the deserts whence the unhappy berry is said to be bought...". Remarkably, another fear was that the offspring of coffee drinkers would dwindle into a succession of apes and pygmies!

Tea did not appear until twenty years after the advent of coffee. Even then it was not as popular as coffee due mainly to its high cost.

Drinking chocolate was also a favourite amongst the gentry and was considered to be a morning beverage.

Wines from the continent were readily available. However 17th century wine was vastly different to that which we enjoy today. All wines were drunk well before they had matured, as glass wine bottles came without cork stoppers. Additionally most wines were sweetened with sugar and spices to make them more palatable.