Food in Shakespeare's England

[Alex]

Interesting article from BBC News

 

Quote

It was generally believed that eating meat was divinely ordained and the dietary authors promoted meat as more healthy than a vegetarian diet, although it had to be considered whether or not a specific meat was suited to one's "humour", occupation, and even nationality.

 

For example, bacon was thought fitting only for labourers or those involved in physical activity because it was difficult to digest and vigorous work would help this process.

 

[liuzhou]

For anyone interested in this topic, I can recommend this book. It is more scholarly and beautifully presented.

 

This one is good, too.

Edited April 21, 2016 by liuzhou (log)

[liuzhou]

Here is a related link.

 

Snacking In Shakespeare's Time: What Theatregoers Ate At The Bard's Plays

[liuzhou]

Shakespeare died 400 years ago today (23rd April). His works are full of food references, both literal and metaphorical.

 

My MA thesis was partly on food in Shakespeare. I could hardly cook then, but the food bug had taken hold, although I didn't know it.

Edited April 23, 2016 by liuzhou (log)

[liuzhou]

In Shakespeare's Day, Hunger Tore Through England. His Plays Tell The Tale

 

Another link. Lack of food in Shakespeare's England.

[paul o' vendange]

Former Shakespearean actor.  Fantastic thread!

[Porthos]

I skimmed the article. It seems to totally ignore how one's position in life directly affected what food one could afford.

 

An a Renaissance re-enactor who works backstage to feed other re-reactors (not trying to produce authentic Elizabethan cuisine) I have taken several workshops, done other research and have watched all 3 episodes of "The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England" several times to understand their diet. With that, I simply wish they would have been clearer as to who in England this eating applied to