Christmas Feasting in the 14th century
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Christmas Feasting in the 14th century
Artists impression of a banquet of the 14th century. The tables were narrow and movable, consisting of boards resting on trestles. The host occupied the seat of honour while the rest of the company sat on benches. At each place were set a spoon and a roll of bread. Forks did not come into general use till the 16th century. People at with the fingers, or with a private knife carried in a sheath at a belt. Soup was served in porringers, one between two guests who dipped spoons in alternately. Wooden platters, round (or more often) square, did duty for plates. On each platter was a pile of stale bread for absorbing gravy. Drinking vessels were mostly glass but silver gilt goblets were used by persons of consequence. Pages waiting at table took the guests cups to the butler to be replenished. Date: 24 November 1930
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Media ID 14167716
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Banquet Banqueting Eating Feast Feasting Festive Fingers Fourteenth Manners Meal Socialising Tables 14th Trestles
EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time and join the lords and ladies of the 14th century as they indulge in a festive feast during the yuletide season. This impressive artists' impression captures the scene of a banquet, where movable tables, consisting of boards resting on trestles, have been set up for the occasion. The host of the gathering takes pride of place at the head of the table, while the rest of the company sits on benches. Each place setting includes a spoon and a roll of bread, as forks were yet to become commonplace. Diners would partake in their meal using their fingers or a personal knife kept in a sheath at their belt. Soup was served communally in porringers, with each pair of guests dipping their spoons in alternately. Wooden platters, often round but sometimes square, served as plates, with a mound of stale bread placed on each to absorb the gravy. Drinking vessels were predominantly made of glass, but silver-gilt goblets were reserved for those of significance. Pages, standing by to attend to the guests' needs, would take their cups to the butler for refills. This snapshot of a medieval Christmas feast, dated 24 November 1930, offers a glimpse into the social scene of the Middle Ages, providing a fascinating insight into the eating habits and manners of the 14th century.
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