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

What to eat in Tudor times? We met Ros at the grand estate of Wilton House to answer all of our food-related questions. During Tudor times, there would have been many servants in the kitchens at Wilton House, making it a lively and busy place. These kitchens are typical of the time period, and would have able accommodate a royal visit.

Feeding the royal entourage was no small task. For example, the kitchens at Hampton Court could serve up to 1,200 people when this palace served as a functioning home. Imagine having to do the dishes following such a meal!

The wealthier a person was, the more likely they would be to have exotic foods for their table, such as peacock! On special occassions, masques would have been performed to entertain visitors at grand homes like Wilton House.

Of course, the kitchen would have been home to several rats that scurried about looking for scraps to eat. Gross, yet common for the time period. One thing is certain, I’m glad I live in the 21st century.

Enhance your Shakespearean knowledge: Find out who approved the masques, plays, and other entertainment performed at court.

Go hunting Tudor-style.

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