Medieval Britons drank beer instead of filtered water

The custom of drinking wine all night is not only a story of modern gentlemen. Experts say Londoners in the 12th century drank several liters of beer a day, right from breakfast.

Exhibits at the London Museum, including ancient Toby pints, depicting obese men with beer belly. 700 years ago, London had more than 1,300 beer shops, each serving about 50 people living in the city.

John Clark, director of the Medieval London Exhibition, said: " Most people, including children, drink barley beer that does not marinate the hub tree. They even drink beer during breakfast, each day up to 4. For 5 cents a gallon (4.5 liters), only the poorest need to drink water . "

But he said this beer is much lighter than the beer people drink today.

Tom Knox, director of brewery Nethergate Brewery, said: " Beer is the perfect drink at the time because water and milk are often contaminated, and tea and coffee are not known in the UK ."

The boiling and fermentation stage in the brewing process has eliminated most bacteria.

By the 14th century, beer brewed with hub trees became popular in London and gradually replaced traditional beer. The imported wine is also popular at that time and is for the rich.

But Clark said the medieval drinkers didn't go from one shop to another because there was a curfew at night. Instead they stayed in a bar and drank in a closed room.

The beers at that time, including ceramic cups and rare glazed wine glasses, will be on display at the Barbican Museum on November 25.

MT ( according to BBC )