In Charlemagne's time (for instance) they did nearly all the sheep shearing.

Then at last Bodo comes back for his supper, and as soon as the sun goes down they go to bed; for their hand-made candle gives only a flicker of light, and they both have to be up early in the morning.

De Quincey once pointed out, in his inimitable manner, how the ancients everywhere went to bed, 'like good boys, from seven to nine o'clock'.

'Man went to bed early in those ages simply because his worthy mother earth could not afford him candles.

She, good old lady ...