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Something which has been seen more than once, in famous films, is the large open fireplace. From Robin Hood to The Eagle has Landed, the great baronial halls have featured, with their awesome cavernous fireplaces. Only recently, David Starkey was filmed, many times, by huge log fires alight in hearths at least a third of the length of the hall, with massive iron-brazed Fire Dogs in the embrasure, and, of course, room enough for a spit to roast a whole suckling pig, which, in one breath-gasping episode, was seen to be turned by a small terrier dog, running around constantly in a wooden wheel placed in the rafters, out of sight of the gathering below. Many Christmas cards depict scenes of a log, being dragged home by a team of plough horses, their fetlocks encrusted with icy particles, and the country lad trudging long through the deep snow by their side, looking out for the large chains with which the Yule log is attached to the imagined jingling harness. Very few Christmas programmes on TV are without their open fires. Suitable films are chosen to be shown made from both here and the other side of the Atlantic, often in period costume, and candle-lit scenes abound, the bright firelight flickering over the sumptuous scene, with often a mahogany grand piano in the room as well, with its deep shades much enhanced by the glow. Today, pubs and many hotels vie with each other to attract the visitor, by mentioning in their brochures the open fires, and pictures are prominently displayed, giving exciting glimpses of mountains of logs stacked up outside, in a snow-filled scene, and leading inside to an interior of shining brass, copper kettles, hobs, and every accessory one could imagine to lend its charm to the red and gold dancing flames in the olde-worlde fireplace, with wreaths of smoke attending on the wreaths of holly, fir, mistletoe and piled-up evergreens of every kind and description, all displayed artistically close by. Most residences of the present age still have their original fireplaces in them. Those that have not, endeavour to keep alive the homely cheery atmosphere an open grate can give, by having installed, indeed a false structure, with a simulated Lake District genuine stone fire surround, all made of plastic, vinyl or PVC... but - who's to know?? It makes its immediate appeal of welcome and impending hospitality, of clinking glasses and the chink of bottles, with other anticipated delights to come. Christmas cards are grouped around on the sparkling furniture, covered for the Festive Season by best lace hand-made cloths and mats, specially brought out of ageing yellowed tissue paper, stored for the rest of the year under last summer's faded summer dresses. Cotton wool balls are realistically arranged on the window panes to represent the absent snow, and even the cat wears its bow of tinselled ribbon, sometimes trailing the ends, where it has tried to lick it off after it got into its feeding bowl. Oak logs were renowned to be best for a long slow warm heat, if they were old. Pine, of course, when lit, gave a shower of bright sparks and suitable loud bangs as well, which were admirably frightening, but quite unsafe as well, unless well protected by a guard of sorts. Beech was a favourite for Christmas, whilst Yew heated well, but was a bit dull in firing, probably because it was almost always damp. Birch wood burnt too fast, whilst Chestnut, sweet or otherwise, would hardly ignite at all. Hawthorn did last well, but was hazardous to use, with its sharp attending thorns. Holly, unless it was green, would be gone on the instant when lit, and Elm would only smoulder with no required crackling flames at all. Pear and apple logs, and cherry, were saved up for this special occasion because of their sweet scent given to the rooms. Best of all, however, to crown the Christmas and New Year so welcome, or "wellcomme", as the Middle Ages spelt it, even to this day, are Ash logs. Smooth and grey, or green and old, they really were, and still are, literally worth their weight in gold. May we wish you all, good Squires and Ladies, boys and girls, a Very Merry and Bright Christmas. Rosemary Goulding |
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page last updated 7 DECEMBER 2001 |
