Hearth and fireplace

Question

Hi,I am reading a novel in the setting of a medieval castle. Hearth and fireplace often appears.I wonder what their differences are. When translated into my language, they are very similar or even identical.I googled the maps of them two, and felt no much difference.I find the western house structure is foreign to me. Can somebody help?Plus, can you answer these questions: 1) in middle ages, were the hearth and fireplace used for heating as well as cooking?2) in the same age, were the hearth and fireplace not necessarily constructed into a wall? Can they be built into the floor?Thanks

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I am reading a novel in the setting of a medieval castle. Hearth and fireplace often appears.
I wonder what their differences are. When translated into my language, they are very similar or even identical.
I googled the maps of them two, and felt no much difference.
A hearth is the floor of a fireplace.

I find the western house structure is foreign to me. Can somebody help?
Plus, can you answer these questions:
1) in middle ages, were the hearth and fireplace used for heating as well as cooking? Yes
2) in the same age, were the hearth and fireplace not necessarily constructed into a wall? Can they be built into the floor?
I assume we are talking abut castles, not eg peasant's hovels.
The Middle Ages represents a long period of time. I would think that in the early part, such features were not always built into the wall, bu that later they were, because of the invention of chimneys. You'd really have to do some research to get proper answers.

Clive

Stephenlearner · Answer

Thank you very much for your help.

Hearth and fireplace

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