Recipe Book compiled by Benjamin Hayes
Level of description
Fonds
Reference code
A.1994.0003
Date
1/6/1649-15/5/1846
Scope and content
Formula book originally compiled by Benjamin Hayes, dated as starting June 1st 1649. The book contains a list of 'the names of gummes and colours' on the first page, and contains recipes for Black Ink, Almond Butter, Pastes (of Oranges, Lemons, Roses, Raspberries, Violets or Pome-Citrons), Portugal Tarts, French Macarons, Italian Briskett, Italian Chips, Cinnamon, Marchpane [Marzipan], Nutmegs, Shell Bread, Marmalade, Orange Chips,Walnuts, Jelly and recipes on preserving fruits (examples include Plums, Gooseberries, Apricots Rasperries or Cherries), as well as recipes for remedies for illnesses such as Scurvy and Colic, as well as recipes for Drinks for the Plague.
The description below was compiled by MA Students from the University of Leeds as part of the 'Placements in Context' module, May 2025:
This formula book, originally compiled by Benjamin Hayes and dated from June 1st, 1649, opens with a list titled "the names of gummes and colours" on the first page. It features a wide variety of recipes, including those for Black Ink and Almond Butter, and a range of fruit pastes made from Oranges, Lemons, Roses, Raspberries, Violets, and Pome-Citrons. Culinary recipes such as Portugal Tarts and French Macarons are also included. The book provides methods for preserving fruits like plums, gooseberries, apricots, raspberries, and cherries. In addition to culinary instructions, it contains remedies for ailments such as Scurvy and Colic, and includes recipes for medicinal drinks intended to protect against the Plague.
In the early modern period, food and medicine were closely linked, so recipes for both were often kept together. People believed that eating well was key to staying healthy, and many foods were used as remedies. Household books combined cooking and healing knowledge, making it easier for families to care for daily needs in one place.
The description below was compiled by MA Students from the University of Leeds as part of the 'Placements in Context' module, May 2025:
This formula book, originally compiled by Benjamin Hayes and dated from June 1st, 1649, opens with a list titled "the names of gummes and colours" on the first page. It features a wide variety of recipes, including those for Black Ink and Almond Butter, and a range of fruit pastes made from Oranges, Lemons, Roses, Raspberries, Violets, and Pome-Citrons. Culinary recipes such as Portugal Tarts and French Macarons are also included. The book provides methods for preserving fruits like plums, gooseberries, apricots, raspberries, and cherries. In addition to culinary instructions, it contains remedies for ailments such as Scurvy and Colic, and includes recipes for medicinal drinks intended to protect against the Plague.
In the early modern period, food and medicine were closely linked, so recipes for both were often kept together. People believed that eating well was key to staying healthy, and many foods were used as remedies. Household books combined cooking and healing knowledge, making it easier for families to care for daily needs in one place.
Conditions governing access
Open
Conditions governing reproduction
Not Permitted
Language
English, Latin, French