Cookery

Perhaps surprisingly, much of the food and drink which sustained people in the 17th century is still around today. Examples include carrots, cauliflower and many other vegetables, although they looked very different in those times as today's specially-bred varieties did not exist.

One notable exception is the potato. Although they were grown in the 17th century, having been introduced by Raleigh in Elizabethan times, they were still considered 'strange' to the common people of this time. Tomatoes, likewise, were not commonly eaten.

Tropical fruit was also very rare as transport in those days was very slow and there was no such thing as refrigeration to keep it fresh.

Much or the diet comprised of food that could be grown or reared locally and, of course, that which could be hunted.

An army on the move often took the food-stores of town-folk and villagers. They also took livestock with them for foods such as eggs and fresh milk.

Follow the links on the left for a more detailed look at the food and drink of the 17th century, and for some authentic recipes so you can have a taste of the times in your own home!