Ale to the selling of beer labeled "strong beer" that had actually been diluted with small beer. In medieval times, ale may have been safer to drink than most water (the germ theory of disease was unheard of, and the sterilizing properties of boiling unknown); however, there is no period evidence that people were aware of this nor that they chose to drink ale for this reason. The alcohol, hops, and some ingredients in gruit used to preserve some ales may have contributed to their lower load of pathogens, when compared to water. However, ale was largely safer due to the
When Jones' Ale was New drink and dye his old face,<br> When Jones's ale was new, my boys, when Jones's ale was new.<br> In the Copper Family version, "The Jovial Tradesmen" from rural Sussex: The first to come in was the ploughman with sweat all on his brow,<br> Up with the lark at the break of day he guides the speedy plough.<br> He drives his team, how they do toil<br> O'er hill and valley to turn the soil,<br> When Jones's ale was new, my boys, when Jones's ale was new.<br> (The Copper Family version also includes verses introducing a blacksmith and a scytheman, both important