History of Food Archives

The Coronation of Richard III: Part III – Food, Glorious Food

May 20, 2020

When the remains of Richard III were formally identified in 2012, it led to new discoveries about his life and times. Among the results of various investigations, it was determined that in the last two years of... Read More...

A Christmas Feast In The Court of Richard III

Olga Hughes

December 23, 2016

History, History of Food

On the eleventh day of Christmas we discuss what would have been served at a Christmas feast during the reign of Richard III An oft-repeated excerpt from The Crowland Chronicle Continuations claims that the... Read More...

Festive Marchpane by Claire Ridgway

Olga Hughes

December 16, 2016

History, History of Food

On the fourth day of Christmas Claire Ridgway joins us to discussthe festive tradition of marchpane and marzipan. Marchpane by Claire Ridgway Marzipan, along with turrón, is one of the sweets sold traditional... Read More...

A Tudor Fish Day Menu

Olga Hughes

March 27, 2016

History, History of Food

Austerity was not necessarily on the menu when it came to royal dining during Lent, even if meat was off limits. 'Fish days' were observed throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays, and Wednesdays in some qu... Read More...

Anne Boleyn’s Privy Kitchen

Olga Hughes

May 19, 2015

History, History of Food

After Cardinal Wolsey gave Hampton Court Palace to Henry VIII, Henry's first improvement was to expand the palace kitchens. They were made up of fifty-five rooms and staffed by 200 people who provided 600 meals... Read More...