In Flaundres whilom was a compaignye
Of yonge folk that haunteden folye,
As riot, hasard, stywes, and tavernes.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Pardoner’s Tale. The Pardoner begins his tale about a group of young people in Flanders, who spend their time indulging in all forms of excess. These party animals are into drinking, gambling, and reveling in brothels and taverns.