1 April 1204 is a significant date in medieval, European history because on that date, at the quiet Abbey of Fontevraud in France, an 82 year old nun took her last breath and died. Her name was Eleanor and she was no ordinary nun. History knows her as Eleanor of Aquitaine. Today, some 819 years later, it feels only right that here on … [Read more...]
Medieval Castle Gardens – Treasures Of A Bygone Age
Visits to medieval castle gardens have been a feature of my life for many years and, although many castles are in ruins, there are still some where gardens can still be enjoyed along with the original medieval kitchen they supplied. Walk into one of these kitchens and you can instantly imagine the medieval recipes that were conjured up there! The … [Read more...]
Medieval Christmas Cheer
Christmas was a special time for people from all walks of life in the medieval world. It was an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for a good year, hopefully a good harvest, perhaps a new addition to the family or a new king on the throne. A time to find ways to lift the human spirit above the routine of daily existence. In the medieval … [Read more...]
The Busy Medieval Baker of 1415 In England
Medieval bread has been a source of fascination for me ever since I became interested in medieval recipes. Moreover, I've often wondered what the life of a medieval baker was like. Did they sometimes walk admiringly past a wheatfield at sunset and think ahead to when the freshly harvested grain might be ready for milling? After all, bread was THE … [Read more...]
Saint George: Roman Soldier, Patron Saint, Medieval Dragon Slayer
Being 'born and bred' in England, I grew up with a familiarity of Saint George's Day from early childhood. The subject of Saint George came up at school and would regularly be touched upon in British tv programmes and films. In addition, my dear Dad would remind me every 23rd April of the patron saint of England who, according to legend, slew the … [Read more...]
