much of the trade, and were the only capitalists of the time.

They were protected by the Kings in money lending at exorbitant rates
of interest. In turn, the Kings extorted immense sums from them.

The guilds (S106), or associations for mutual protection among
merchants and manufacturers, now became prominent, and in time they
acquired great political influence.

VI. Mode of Life, Manners, and Customs.

158. Dress.

The Normans were more temperate and refined in their mode of living
than the Saxons. In dress they made great display. In Henry I's
reign it became the custom for the nobility to wear their hair very
long, so that their curls resembled those of women. The clergy
thundered against this effeminate fashion, but with no effect. At
last, a priest preaching before the King on Easter Sunday, ended his
sermon by taking out a pair of shears and cropping the entire
congregation, King and all.

By the regulation called the curfew, a bell rang at sunset in summer
and at eight in winter, which was the government signal for putting
out lights and covering up fires. This law, which was especially
hated by the English, as a Norman innovation and act of tyranny, was a
necessary precaution against fire, at a time when London and other
cities were masses of wooden hovels.

Surnames came in with the Normans. Previous to the Conquest,