A festive Norman feast is taking place at Sherborne Old Castle. But can you guess what’s on the Christmas lunch menu?
Feasts were important events for the Normans and they were used to celebrate special occasions like Christmas or the end of the harvest. The types of food served to people and where they were seated at the table depended on their status. Let’s join the Norman bishop Roger of Salisbury as he hosts a Christmas feast…
It’s the 12th century and Bishop Rodger of Salisbury is hosting a Christmas feast at Sherborne Old Castle. Click below to download a colouring sheet, and use pencils, pens or paints to create your own version of the scene!
What's on the menu?
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Meat
In the past, meat was very expensive. Feasts for wealthy people included lots of different roasted meats, including ones that are less popular today like wild boar, venison (deer) and even peacock!
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Fish and seafood
People ate a lot of fish, especially on religious days when meat was not allowed. They ate tench (a type of carp) and eels, which were often used to make broth. Rich people sometimes ate whales and seals.
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Cheese
Cheese was one of the Normans’ favourite foods. In fact, Wensleydale cheese dates from Norman times. It was originally made using sheep's milk, by a community of monks who lived in Wensleydale.
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Potage
This was a really thick soup made up of meat and vegetables that had been boiled together. It was eaten by everyone in Norman England, whether they were rich or poor.
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Jellies and custards
Jellies and custards were enjoyed by rich Normans. To decorate them, they were dyed a variety of bright colours, using sandalwood for red, saffron for yellow and boiled animal blood for black!
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Bread
Bread was an important food for rich and poor people. Instead of using plates, Norman people ate their food off of stale bread, which was called a trencher.
NORMAN-INSPIRED BAKING
When they weren't busy conquering England, building castles or conducting the Domesday Survey, the Normans loved a sweet treat just like we do today!
You can try a taste of the past with our recipe for a Norman style spiced date loaf. Simply download the recipe card, and ask a grown up to help you bake this delicious cake.
Over to you...
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Now or then?
How does a Norman Christmas feast compare to Christmas dinners we eat today? See if you can you work out which foods are the same, and which are different. Which dinner would you choose?
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A feast fit for a king!
Design a Norman feast menu fit for King William! Include lots of tasty foods from the six categories above, and then draw your royal spread to show how you would present it to the king.
