Herbs in Anglo-Norman Cookery
The Course
Explore the background of trade with galleys bringing spices, sugar and dried fruits into Southampton, enabling the wealthy to enjoy adventurous cookery. Spice accounts of the wealthy and lists of ship’s cargoes make fascinating reading. Instruction on table manners with an herbal hand wash before tasting recipes will add to the experience.
Flowers of hawthorn, elder and rose feature, along with almonds, pistachios, hazel, pine and chestnuts and familiar herb seeds and seasonings. We will be making sweet and savoury dishes, noting Syrian, Spanish and Saracen’s recipes. Herbs for flavouring and colouring of dishes include sage, parsley, mulberry, dragon’s blood, saffron and alkanet. A mix of pottages, ravioli, fritters and pastries with spices, herbs, fresh and dried fruits, and almond milk fits remarkably well with modern tastes.
The Tutor
Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is a retired qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy). She has grown, studied and used over 300 herbs and has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies. She has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes.
Christina now lives in Wiltshire and teaches History of Western Herbal Medicine, Pharmacognosy and Materia Medica for the School of Herbal Medicine.
Participant Information
Please bring with you a pen and paper and suitable clothing footwear as you will spend part of the day outside. The course may take place in an historic building which can be cool, it is advisable to wear warm layers.
Fee & Refreshments
£80 per person, including tuition, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know in advance of any dietary requirements. The Museum café will be open for lunch or alternatively participants can bring their own packed lunch.
Please read our Adult Day Courses terms & conditions.
Book courseCourses at our Museum
Lifelong learning has been at the heart of the Museum’s mission since its founding over 50 years ago. We are dedicated to promoting the preservation of historic buildings and architectural heritage, as well as keeping alive the traditional crafts, trades, and industries of the Weald & Downland region.
We offer a rich programme of day schools, longer courses and evening talks that celebrate Historic Building Conservation, Traditional Rural Trades, and Crafts. Each course is led by experienced practitioners who are passionate about their field and generous in sharing both their knowledge and hands-on skills.
Whether you’re seeking a rewarding new hobby, aiming to develop practical expertise, or considering a career change, our courses provide inspiration and opportunity in equal measure. We invite you to explore our programme, discover what excites you, and join us in keeping these valuable traditions alive.
