Dr. Kimberley Connor, a historical archaeologist and food historian, joins Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to explore Stuart-era recipe books. They discuss Margaret Baker's 1675 collection, revealing how these texts were vital for sharing medicinal and culinary knowledge. The conversation highlights women's pivotal roles in domestic spheres and culinary practices of the time, emphasizing the recipes’ rich social contexts. They also examine how these books served as educational resources, connecting women across different social strata and reflecting their adaptations during crises.
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Discovering Margaret Baker
Dr. Connor discovered Margaret Baker through a transcribathon, noticing numerous recipe attributions.
Intrigued by the unknown Baker's identity, she meticulously built a family tree to uncover her background.
insights INSIGHT
Margaret Baker's Literate Upbringing
Margaret Baker's father, Sir Richard Baker, was a writer of religious texts and a well-known history of England.
This suggests she grew up in a literate environment, possibly influencing her recipe collection and access to continental sources through his European travels.
insights INSIGHT
17th-Century Recipe Books vs. Modern Cookbooks
17th-century recipe books were comprehensive guides for household management, including medicine, cookery, and other necessities.
Unlike modern cookbooks, their recipes combined ingredients and instructions, lacking the structured format we use today.
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'The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Opened' is a collection of recipes published posthumously, attributed to the 17th-century figure Sir Kenelm Digby. The book's recipes were often considered 'secret' and offered a glimpse into the private life of a notable figure. Its publication highlights the social interest in such collections and the transition of private recipes into the public domain. The book's contents reflect the culinary and medicinal practices of the time, showcasing a blend of traditional and novel ingredients. The publication of this collection also reflects the changing social acceptance of published works by men compared to women.
The Chronicle of the Kings of England
The Chronicle of the Kings of England
Sir Richard Baker
Sir Richard Baker's 'The Chronicle of the Kings of England' served as a major historical account of England for several centuries. It presented a narrative history, preceding the shift towards more source-based historical writing. The book's significance lies in its widespread use as a primary historical source for a considerable period. Its narrative style, while influential, also became a subject of some criticism due to its lack of rigorous sourcing. The work remains a valuable artifact reflecting the historical understanding of its time.
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the world of Stuart-era recipe books, in which medicine, cookery and women's roles combine in fascinating ways. She discovers how these volumes were far more than just cookbooks, offering a window into how women collected and shared knowledge, and how female identity was shaped within the domestic sphere.
Suzannah's guest Dr. Kimberley Connor introduces the intriguing 1675 recipe book of Margaret Baker, which includes everything from plague preventatives to culinary delights, for example a simple spiced eggy bread that was both a tasty breakfast and a remedy for back pain.
Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, the editor and producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
Theme music from All3Media. Other music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.
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