12th Century shops

In 12th century market towns permanent shops stood around the almost triangular market square. Shops often had an open unglazed window, the shutter of which was hinged at the bottom and lowered in the morning on to supports. These were fixed to the lower window cill by mortis and tennon joints. On this shutter goods were displayed and the shop keeper served through the open window. At the end of the day, the goods were taken in and the shutter used to secure the premises at night.