Three copper alloy curtain rings
Curtain Rings

Archaeologists have excavated 125 copper alloy curtain rings from the James Fort site. Most are from early fort period features, indicating they were used between 1607-1610. This early date also helps determine their use. Permanent housing structures with windows needing curtains were not common at James Fort at that time. These curtain rings were more likely used to hold curtains that would hang around a bed.  

Beds were very expensive, and only a gentleman would have ranked a bedstead at Jamestown. Curtains around such beds would allow the sleeper privacy and would protect against drafts. These rings, along with bed bolts, highlight differences in wealth, class, and rank between the early settlers at James Fort.