Food
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My local group, the Mid-Anglia, recently held our AGM at the White Hart (Toby Carvery) in Colchester, and combined it with a lunch meeting and a couple of relevant presentations. It was very convivial and informative. The presentations were on St John’s Abbey, Colchester and Henry VII’s suspicious interest in it and the differences in…
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Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is another fascinating medieval herb with a rich history! Here are some interesting facts about vervain: Magical and Superstitious Uses Sacred herb: Vervain was considered a sacred herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and was associated with the gods. Protection and purification: The herb was believed to offer protection against evil…
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In medieval times, dittany, now more commonly known as dittander, Lepidium latifolium, a perennial herb native to parts of Britain, was used for hot relishes. It suffered a culinary decline by 1650 when horseradish took its place. The spiciness of both its leaves and root are suggested in its common name, poor man’s pepper. It…
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On Saturday afternoon we were treated to a fantastically interesting talk by Professor Caroline Wilkinson, she who had created the reconstruction of Richard’s head. It was the Isolde Wigram Memorial Lecture and she touched on the reconstruction but concentrated on the A Voice for Richard project, which she participated in. She described all the detailed…
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Rue (Ruta graveolens) is another fascinating medieval herb. Here are some interesting facts about it: Medicinal Uses Digestive aid: Rue was used to treat digestive issues, such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. Menstrual relief: The herb was used to ease menstrual cramps, bloating, and other symptoms associated with PMS. Anti-inflammatory: Rue’s anti-inflammatory properties made it…
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Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a fascinating herb with a rich history. It is a hardy perennial herb with fern-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, growing up to three feet tall. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade and is commonly found growing in rough ground, on field boundaries. Tansy contains compounds such…
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Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) is a fascinating herb. It is a shrubby, perennial herb that can grow quite tall, up to 3-4 feet. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It’s fairly low-maintenance but may need pruning to ensure it stays bushy and healthy. In mediaeval times: Qualities: Modern Use: Mediaeval Folklore: Culinary uses: Precautions:
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The pub/restaurant’s name is, of course, derived from our king’s connection with the building. He was there in 1484. Ricardians are certainly familiar with the building. Of course, we haven’t all been able to visit it in person, so I’m sure that those of us who haven’t will be very interested in reading the article…
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