Hearth
A hearth is a brick or stone lined fireplace or oven that is used for cooking and heating. Historically, the hearth was the center of the home, as it provided heat for the house.
In more modern times, the hearth may be a section of the fireplace that can be seen. This often includes tiles around the base of the fireplace and the floor.
Hearth Media
Late medieval tile hearth and associated floor
Japanese traditional hearth (irori)
Dutch style kitchen hearth in Hofwijck mansion, Voorburg, Netherlands
This 1889 cookbook has an illustration of the hearth in the house of John Howard Payne, who wrote the best-selling song "Home! Sweet Home!".
