Tavern Screens
Centuries ago, the doors of taverns had an interior screen, similar to those in use at the present day. Lounging was just as much in vogue. In Clare’s “Shepherd’s Calender,” we read—
“Now, musing o’er the changing scene,
Farmers behind the tavern screen
Collect; with elbow idly press’d
On hob, reclines the corner’s guest,
Reading the news, to mark again
The bankrupt lists, or price of grain,
Puffing the while his red-tipt pipe,
He dreams o’er troubles nearly ripe;
Yet, winter’s leisure to regale,
Hopes better times, and sips his ale.”