A perpetual stew, also known as forever soup, hunter’s pot, or hunter’s stew, is a pot into which foodstuffs are placed and cooked, continuously. The pot is never or rarely emptied all the way, and ingredients and liquid are replenished as necessary. Such foods can continue cooking for decades or longer if properly maintained. The concept is often a common element in descriptions of medieval inns.
Foods prepared in a perpetual stew have been described as being flavorful due to the manner in which the ingredients blend together. Various ingredients can be used in a perpetual stew such as root vegetables, tubers (potatoes, yams, etc.), and various meats.
So also keep it on while sleeping? Sounds a bit scary. I guess back in the days someone was chosen to keep the fire running anyways but nowadays? Also turnover wouldn’t happen for a few hours.
Back then the fire in the stove was also what heated your home.
And lighting fire was very difficult, so you kept it burning.