That interesting historical find...

Hi folks!

Hope everyone is well and getting ready for Easter (eggs!)

I promised in my last post to share the historical find I had, well here it is, and once it belonged to Lizzie Matthews.

Many years ago I owned a very battered copy of Mrs Beeton's book of Household Management that was falling apart, and in a fit of pique threw it away when it fell apart again for the 100th time. A descision I have since regretted many times.  So please imagine my utter delight when the manageress at my favourite charity shop called me 'in the back' to "show me something I might be interested in."

Full of fascinating adverts

Some of which are still available today

Though in truth I'll not be making the substitute for Cod Liver Oil any time soon!

Though today's packaging may be a little brighter.

The wild birds who visit my garden love it!

(Though I doubt you'd be able to wear the items on the postcard that was marking a recipe if you ate too much suet!)

It lists all the essentials for your kitchen, complete with prices.

And if someone could tell me where I could get a Windsor Chair for 12.5p to 17.5p I'd be delighted!

(Equivelent in decimal coinage)

And there's more...

1/- (one old shilling) = 5p  (in the good old days, and yes I DO remember them well.)

It says a bit further on that you can kit our your kitchen with furniture, brooms, brushes etc., kitchen cloths etc. and utensils for a grand total of £9 12s 11d.  Yes, the good old days!

Step by step photos, and lovely colour plates.

(Yes, I really should have kept the battered copy for the colour plates)

With menu suggestions, so should you be having guests over Easter I thought you may appreciate this suggestion!

No, no, don't thank me ;o) Though I really don't think any one of us would be tempted by this one.

What can you say about that one?  Words fail me.

Lizzie had also put in a page of hand written 'receipts'  Here's one of them.

I love the spelling of 'Plumb' pudding :o)

Then, lastly if you're suffering from a cough at the moment.....

I'm presuming the 1d means dram weight (which is eqivelent to 1/16th of an ounce), though I'm fairly certain getting hold of the laudanum (opium) is going to cause a few legal problems.  I'd imagine after taking a tablespoonful every four hours you wouldn't care less that you even had a cough!

Still trying to find out what the 'Paragorata' is, anyone know?

Well that's it for now, except to wish you all a very Happy Easter.

My very best wishes, and don't eat too much chocolate ;o)