SC - plates

[Ian van Tets]

Hello!

As to the subject of plates in period, and whether or not they 
existed, there is a picture in a library book I saw once, can't 
remember the name, think it was 'Chaucer and his World'.  I have the 
picture if I can work out how to send it...

It's a tavern scene (I seem to fixated on taverns this morning, I'm 
not normally) with, among other interesting bits of equipment, a 
whole lot of little platey things on the table.  They appear to be 
shiny and completely flat, and about the size of an average coaster.  
They were round.  Each person has one in front of them.  The picture 
dates from the 14th century, I think.  Any ideas on material, use, 
name, etc.?

INcidentally, there was also a rather snazzy chest-bench in the same 
picture, which is an ordinary chest, but with ends which rise to 
head-height if you're sitting.  Attached to the ends, by bolts I 
think (but may well be wrong), is a [-shaped backrest which can be 
swung over the top so you can either face the fire or the table, 
without moving the settle.

Sorry for the off-topic addition, but it rather caught my eye.

Cairistiona

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