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
banquets.
The last banquet of the holiday, held on the Feast of Epiphany (January 6th) was the most magnificent of all when 459 people sat down to eat. Not only were there 134 noblemen and gentry all with their attendants, but there were such guests as the local abbot, the doctor, the chaplain, a hermit, a brickmaker and a joiner. 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, |
Bon Appetit!