The Kitchen
How old is this room?
The kitchen with its huge fireplace was created around 1600. Through the court-yard window you can see the original timber-framed structure of the house little changed from those times.
How did people cook in here?
Cauldrons were suspended over the fire to heat food and meat roasted on a spit. Under the window opposite is a charcoal stove dating from the 1700s, which gave a slightly more controllable heat allowing pans to be used.
Where did the food come from?
The food was mostly local with meat and dairy from the Hall’s farm, fish from the lake and game from the grounds. Bread was baked here and the barrel-shaped device is a Victorian churn for making butter.
Tudor Food
The replica food and cooking equipment on the table gives an idea of what might be found in a Tudor kitchen. The oak table itself is from about 1600.
Spice Cupboard, Early 1700s
[Right side of fireplace on worktop]
This small walnut cabinet was used to store exotic cooking spices. It is lockable because spices were expensive, and placed near the fire to keep them dry.
Additional images
