Identifier: cu31924014023463 (find matches)
Title: The cottages and the village life of rural England
Year: 1912 (1910s)
Authors: Ditchfield, P. H. (Peter Hampson), 1854-1930 Quinton, A.R
Subjects: Cottages Villages
Publisher: London, J.M. Dent & sons ltd. New York, E.P. Dutton & co.
Contributing Library: Cornell University Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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es formed of a series of bold angle zigzag,rows of pellets and other carvings of an exquisite character, anda plain tympanum. But such doorways are exceptional. They are not the naturalentrances to a sixteenth-century cottage, and we prefer the morehomely and picturesque doorways which are shown in the illustra-tions, protected by a rustic porch with seats on either side, or 81 L COTTAGES OF RURAL ENGLAND simply by a wire or wooden framework that has been covered byvine-leaves, or clematis, or other pleasant creepers. The porchisjpart of our scheme of garden culture, and must be left to ourgardening chapter and not trespassed upon here. Our bestplan is to admire some of these beauties which the artist hasdisplayed, and then enter the cottage by the inviting door, ifthe good woman will permit, to see and to investigate her fewtreasures, prized by her with quite as much satisfaction and keensense of ownership as are the costly paintings, gems, miniatures,or Sevres by the millionaire. 82
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VIIIHEARTHS AND HOMES The peasant housewife is a very kind and gracious body, sturdyand independent, who will welcome you with all the graces of aduchess to her humble dwelling; but if you are foolish, superiorand patronising, and, still worse, very curious, the cottage doorwill perhaps be shut when next you are pleased to call, and youwill not be able to buy for an old song those charming piecesof Staffordshire ware wrought in curious figures, nor add to yourcollection of old furniture that delightful little escritoire that hadbeen in the cottagers family for years. True it was very batteredand worm-eaten; but it could be easily renovated. However, itis no good—you will not get it. You have offended the old ladyby your behaviour, and all the kings horses and all the kingsmen will not force her to part with her treasures to you. Infuture it is well to remember that poor people have feelings, veryproper feelings, and good manners too, and to ride roughshod overthem is not altogether

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