Discover Authentic Tudor Recipes: Where to Find Henry VIII’s Original Cookbooks for a Taste of History

For those with a passion for history and a love of food, the idea of recreating authentic Tudor recipes can be an exciting prospect. The Tudor period, which spanned from 1485 to 1603, was a time of great change in English history, and this was reflected in the food of the time. The reign of Henry VIII, in particular, saw a shift towards more lavish and extravagant dining, with a focus on meat and sweet dishes. But where can one find these original recipes? Fortunately, several cookbooks from the Tudor period have been preserved, allowing us to get a taste of history.

Where to Find Original Tudor Cookbooks

There are several places where you can find original Tudor cookbooks, both in physical form and online.

• The British Library: The British Library in London holds a vast collection of historical documents, including several cookbooks from the Tudor period. One of the most famous is ‘The Forme of Cury’, a collection of recipes compiled by the master cooks of Richard II in the late 14th century. While not strictly from the reign of Henry VIII, it provides a fascinating insight into the food of the time.

• Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg is a free online library of over 60,000 books, many of which are historical texts. Here you can find ‘Two Fifteenth-Century Cookery-Books’, a collection of recipes from the early Tudor period.

• Amazon: If you’re looking for a physical copy, Amazon has several reproductions of Tudor cookbooks available for purchase. These include ‘The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin’ from 1594 and ‘A Proper Newe Booke of Cokerye’ from 1545.

Recreating Tudor Recipes at Home

While it can be fascinating to read these original recipes, it’s important to remember that cooking methods and ingredients have changed significantly since the Tudor period. Many of the recipes will require some interpretation and adaptation to be recreated in a modern kitchen.

For example, measurements were often vague by today’s standards, and some ingredients, such as certain types of fish and game, may be difficult to source. However, with a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can still create dishes that give a taste of Tudor England.

Conclusion

Exploring the culinary history of the Tudor period can be a fascinating journey. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or both, delving into these original cookbooks can provide a unique insight into the lives of Henry VIII and his court. So why not give it a try? You might just discover a new favourite dish from the past.