Christmas In The Castle |
During the Christmas of 1507, Edward Stafford the Duke of Buckingham, held a Christmas celebration in Thornbury Castle
in Gloucestershire. Throughout the twelve days he provided lavish hospitality and gave a number of splendid
banquets. A household book was kept by the Duke�s secretary which included every item of food and drink consumed as well as items such as tapers, candles and hay for the horses of the guests. Among the provisions consumed were:- |
36 rounds of beef |
20 snipe |
21 roach |
12 carcasses of mutton |
10 capons |
4 dog fish |
2 calves |
108 great birds |
10 whiting |
4 pigs |
72 little birds |
1 fresh conger |
6 suckling pigs |
36 larks |
17 flounders |
2 lambs |
9 quail |
2 tench |
22 rabbits |
9 mallard |
3 plaice |
3 swans |
23 widgeon |
7 bream |
6 geese |
18 teal |
6 large eels |
2 peacocks |
100 lampreys |
400 eggs |
2 herons |
200 oysters |
24 dishes of butter |
18 chickens |
1 fresh salmon |
3 flagons of cream |
16 woodcock |
1 fresh cod |
2 gallons of frumenty |
1 salt sturgeon |
259 gallons of ale |
Many gallons of 4 different kinds of wine |
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