Medieval Food and Feast Presentation by Caroline Oglesby and Anna Bass

Types of servants: panters, butlers, sewers, and cooks. They handled and organized all the food. Marshalls, squires, ushers, and sergeants- at- arms delivered the food to the guests.

Food Eaten by Peasants Variety of meats: rabbit, deer, wild boar, pork, pigeon, goat, and beef Sources like eggs, cheese, and milk were very important in a peasant’s diet because they provided protein. Fish was also important because in fasts people were not allowed to eat products from land animals. A large amount of a peasant’s diet consisted of cereals and breads. Mashed turnips, carrots, and pumpkins were commonly eaten by peasants in rice. Beans and peas were also regularly eaten.

Food Eaten by the Wealthy Royalty enjoyed smoked beef, salted sausages, mutton, and pork. The poultry the wealthy ate would be now considered very peculiar. In addition to the chickens, pigeons, and geese they consumed, swans, egrets, and peacocks might also be on the menu. Common fruits would be raisins, figs, dates, and prunes. Beans and peas would also be served in meals.

The guests dipped their hands in bowls of water before each course. The seating chart at the table was arranged in order of social class. Spoons were provided, and guests brought their own knives.

At home, many medieval households were without manners. They used bowl- like containers called trenchers to hold food. Table Manners

No elbows on the table and no burping. Do not leave your spoon in your bowl when you are finished eating. You may drop your food on the floor and let the dogs eat it. You may blow your nose in your hand and wipe it on your clothes. The Table Rules at a Feast

During the feast, there were singers, dancers, and even people on horseback performing. Jugglers, jesters, and minstrels were often present at feasts. Jugglers showed their skills with balls, minstrels sang, and jesters told stories. Entertainment

Sometimes, after the feast was over, the king would ask the guests to dance. The dance usually lasted many hours, and sometimes all night long. Entertainment