An Unlicensed Ordinary

The Main Room - Work is Never Done

Avoncroft (2003)

Here the male servant is clearing away some dirty bowls and cups.

The woman on the left is the owner of the alehouse; this was not unusual as widows were often ran them as a means of securing a livelihood.

The central figure is a serving woman from one of the local houses. Contrary to some modern opinions, the Elizabethan alehouse was frequented by both sexes and used quite often as a meeting place.

Photographer: Susanne Atkin