Cooking and Dining in Georgian England

By (author) Peter Brears

Book cover: Cooking and Dining in Georgian England

Extent: 456 pages

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Subjects: Cultural Studies, Food & Drink

Series: Cooking & Dining in England

Language: English

Hardback (Forthcoming)

(November 2026)

ISBN: 9781800509382

6.85 x 9.72 inches

Price: $55.00

This book draws on over thirty years of research into the records, buildings, artefacts and manners of the period to follow foods from their arrival through to serving at the table. 


With unlimited wealth drawn from land and international trade, the upper classes of Georgian England were able to enjoy the most lavish foods and lifestyles. This was only made possible, however, by massively investing in suites of huge new kitchen offices, and having the most up-to-date fixtures and equipment and a highly-trained staff. French cooks and confectioners were among the country’s most highly-paid professionals as rich families competed to provide the finest entertainments. Though on lower wages, the largely English butlers, housekeepers, maids and footmen ensured that all meals were served in the most elegant manner in magnificent dining rooms provided with some of the world’s best gold and silver, porcelain, glassware and furniture. This was the age of Robert Adam, Thomas Chippendale, Josiah Wedgwood, and Paul Storr.
As in the three preceding volumes of Prospect Books’ unique series, this book draws on over thirty years of research into the records, buildings, artefacts and manners of the period to follow foods from their arrival through to serving at the table. It does this by describing each department in turn, including specially-prepared measured drawings and illustrations of their structures, equipment, products and staffs. Moving on into the dining room table settings, meals and manners are all then detailed in a similar way.
Since it is essential to use all the senses when studying food, numerous Georgian recipes that can be followed using currently available ingredients have also been provided. Now for the first time, re-enactors and all others can dine in Georgian authenticity by using a single book.

Acknowlegements

Illustrations

Introduction

  1. The Lady of the House
  2. Planning the Georgian Kitchen
  3. The Steward's Room
  4. Butlers' Rooms
  5. Water Supply
  6. The Jousekeeper's Rooms
  7. The Stillroom
  8. The Dairy
  9. The Ice House
  10. The Bakehouse
  11. The Pastry
  12. The Confectionary
  13. Man Cooks
  14. Female Cooks & Cook-Maids
  15. Larders
  16. Roasting & Ranges
  17. Boiling & Steaming
  18. Stoves, Stocks & Sauces
  19. Made Dishes
  20. Frying & Broiling
  21. The Kitche
  22. Breakfast
  23. Luncheons & Teas
  24. The Dining Room
  25. The Bill of Fare
  26. Dinner
  27. The Dessert
  28. Supper

End Matter

Bibliography

Archive Sources

Recipe Index

Name Index

Places Index

 
  • By (author) Peter Brears

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