Part 3/8:
In a typical medieval household, the hearth played a crucial role. Not only did it provide heat, but it was also the central location for cooking. People often shared their space with livestock, which provided warmth but resulted in cramped and uninviting living conditions. The Vikings, for example, employed long houses with built-in fire pits lined with stones, maximizing heat distribution throughout their dwellings.
During particularly cold months, communities resorted to ingenious methods to stay warm. Items like heated bricks served as bed warmers, providing comfort during the night. Wealthier individuals might enjoy metal hand warmers while poorer folk had to make do with layered clothing—often woolen—and furry undergarments to keep the cold at bay.