This is a Medieval Feast we did for David Dimbleby’s BBC documentary ‘How We Built Britain’. In collaboration with the Food Historian Peter Brears we supplied all the food and table ware for this shoot. It was filmed by the BBC for David Dimbleby’s historical TV series ‘How We Built Britain’ at GainsboroughOld Hall. The series looked at all aspects of British history, including the operations and conventions of a Medieval kitchen in one of the great halls.
The food, where it was kept, how it was cooked, what it would have looked like, and how it would have been served etc. All filmed with authentic dishes, ingredients and kitchen equipment.
Gainsborough Old Hall
This is a unique medieval manor house right in the centre of Gainsborough. Sir Thomas Burgh built it between 1460 and 1480 and it remains much as he left it. Both Richard III and Henry VIII were guests of the Burgh family, and the Mayflower Pilgrims and John Wesley worshipped within its walls. The Great Hall, with its splendid, arched, wooden roof remains at the centre of the building, while the kitchens remain virtually unchanged since they were built. And as always, with any building of any age in Britain, there is the ghost story … Locals have it that a daughter of Thomas Burgh, Elizabeth, fell in love with a servant. As punishment she was locked in a room where she starved to death and over the years people have reported sightings of her, especially in the tower room.
For more information on recipes, menus and protocol see this link to Medieval Feasting. And to find out more about this facinating BBC programe vist the BBC Website Page.
The Medieval Recipes Used In Filming:
- Trenchours
- Venison with Rich Frumenty
- Pottage (various)
- Corbettes
- Venison Y Bake & Game Pie
- Capons Endoured
- Henne In Bokanade
- Gruel Of Force
- Custardes
- Rabbits & Pigeon (Roasted)
- Cockatrice (Authentic) Roasted
- Wortes & Ramsens
- Chewettes
- Ginger in Syrupe
- Whole Salmon & Sauce
- Bruet Of Almonds
- Subtylte – Castlette
- Parted Jelly
- Blancmange
- Posset
