Residences in the preindustrial city were likely to be rather cramped, unpleasant places by modern standards. The elites, of course, were rather differently housed and they often had access to private courtyards. But for the vast majority of the urban populace-adult and child-"going out" was probably preferable to "staying in." As a consequence, a great deal of socializing and playing appears to have occurred in public space.

Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order a…, loc. 211