Berkhamsted Castle Medieval Cookery Demonstration (2021)
Berkhamsted Castle, White Hill, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Berkhamsted Castle Trust is pleased to welcome Tastes of History (husband and wife team Mark and Jill Hatch) to the ruins of our Norman motte and bailey castle, built originally as a timber structure by William the Conqueror's half-brother, Robert of Mortain.
Throughout each day Tastes of History will interact with visitors regaling them with the history of food and answering their questions. At the same time they will be preparing pre-portioned sampling dishes based on The Forme of Cury (an extensive, 14th-century collection of medieval English recipes), for visitors to try if they so choose. The proposed menu (subject to confirmation) is for a sweet cheese flan, buttered wortes (greens), ymbre day tarts, savoury green soup and chicken in cumin sauce.
Located just 25 miles outside London, Berkhamsted Castle is steeped in over 950 years of history. It was here that the Anglo-Saxons surrendered to William, Duke of Normandy in December 1066, and he became “The Conqueror”. In later years, the castle was occupied variously by (amongst others) the Earls of Cornwall, Edward the Black Prince, Archbishop Thomas Becket, Geoffrey Chaucer and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York (mother of Edward IV and Richard III, and who died at the castle in 1495). The castle was also given as a gift to the first three of Henry VIII's wives. The castle site is now a scheduled ancient monument, and remains owned by HRH The Prince of Wales, in right of the Duchy of Cornwall.
Timings & Tours
Available anytime
Location & directions
Berkhamsted Castle, White Hill, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
- Contact on day:
- Ken Wallis - 01442 877592
- Telephone number:
- Ken Wallis - 01442 877592
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Wheelchair access to bailey. Pushchairs except for motte. There are some steep slopes and some paths can be slippery after rain. Young children should be supervised.
Additional information
Demonstration runs throughout both days. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There are no toilets at Berkhamsted Castle. Nearest public toilets are in the Water Lane car park (7 mins away). As well as the cookery demonstration there are 16 information panels on display for all visitors, depicting the history of the Castle. Dogs are only allowed if on leads. There are some parking places close to Castle entrance but several paying car parks in the vicinity. BERKHAMSTED CASTLE TRUST - A Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Charity (England & Wales) No. 1176286.
