“I saw good strawberries in your garden there; I do beseech you send for some of them.” (from Shakespeare’s Richard III.)

Everyone has to eat! And, I was curious about what people ate in Tudor times. To find out, we met Ros at Wilton House, a large estate in the English countryside, to see the replica of the Tudor kitchens.

During Shakespeare’s time, trade and exploration were expanding. This meant new foods and spices were always arriving in England. Some of these new foods were things we eat every day, like oranges. Imagining life without cooking basics, like sugar and cinnamon, was the most interesting part of learning about the eating habits of the Elizabethans.

Feasts during Shakespeare’s day sometimes included exotic animals like peacock, as well as more traditional meats such as chicken and lamb. The size of the kitchens and the number of staff depended on how large the household was. For example, the kitchens at Hampton Court, when the palace served as a functioning home, could serve up to 1,200 people. Imagine having to do the dishes! A large and elaborate meal was the chance to show your visitors how wealthy you were.

Old World Market: One of my favorite places to visit in London is Borough Market! London’s oldest market, Borough Market was first mentioned in 1276. If you can name it, you can most likely find it at Borough Market. There is every type of fruit, cheese, vegetable, meat, nut, bread, and fish imaginable. Lots of chefs from hotels and restaurants in London come here to shop for their menus.

For just a £, we bought some fresh bread, goat cheese, and some sweets. Then, we had a little a picnic by the Thames River.

Places like Borough Market allow you to see how people really live. They are off the tourist track, so you get a flavor of life in another country. It’s amazing to think about people all around the world, both past and present, who have shopped in markets and bazaars like this one.

Full of tasty food,

Go hunting Tudor-style.

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