What we do
Food became less about necessity for fuel to an opportunity to explore new flavours and see food as more of an opportunity. The 17th century was a time of “new wealth” and rich appetites, and people became increasingly fascinated with food from mainland Europe.
- Grains
During the Medieval era, peas and beans were key to the diet of the poor, but their importance declined in the Stuart period as New World cereals and potatoes became more prevalent. Grains remained the main agricultural product and staple food for all social classes in the 17th century, with distinctions based on type, quality, and preparation. The lower classes ate coarse bread with more bran, while the upper classes preferred finely milled white wheat flour.
- Meat
When slaughtering an animal for food, it’s essential to use every part. Blood was used in soups and sausages, while tripe appeared in stews and pies. Even parts resembling the living creature, like a calf’s head or its eyes, tongue, and cheeks, were consumed and sometimes considered delicacies. In Europe, meat was less common compared to global standards, especially among the lower classes, who relied more on eggs, dairy, and legumes for protein.
- Drink
Before the Early Modern (Tudor) era, all social beverages in Europe were alcoholic. The expansion of trade and exploration introduced tea, coffee, and drinking chocolate, which gained popularity as social drinks in the 17th century. Unlike alcohol, these beverages contain caffeine or theobromine, mild stimulants that do not cause intoxication, with chocolate being the first to become widely popular.
- The New World
Cane sugar, was acknowledged in Roman Europe and later during the Medieval period. However, it was expensive and mainly regarded as a medicinal product. By the late 17th century, production in the New World increased significantly to meet Europe’s rising demand. By the end of this period, maritime nations such as England were consuming large quantities of sugar.
- Tapestries as status symbolsTapestries were costly and required significant labor to produce, making them accessible primarily to the affluent. Additionally, they served practical functions, including blocking drafts, dampening sound, and offering insulation.
- Textiles and the HuguenotsThe arrival of French Protestants, or Huguenots, in the 17th century brought with them new textile skills and luxurious materials, such as silk.
- The wool industryIn the 17th century, wool played a crucial role in England’s economy, accounting for 80–90% of the exports from London’s docks. To bolster this important sector, the Wool Acts were made into law
- HandloomsHandlooms emerged as an essential component of home furnishings, and their impact is still evident in the architectural styles of houses from that era today.
For the King or Parliament?
People joined different factions in the English Civil Wars for a variety of reasons, shaped by political, religious, and social issues that were frequently skewed by biased propaganda, Some individuals who enlisted in the military did so to safeguard their religious freedoms and political interests, while others felt a sense of duty to local lords or acted out of loyalty. Many ordinary people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, were drawn to military service due to the reliable wages, food, and clothing it offered, while a few were motivated by a desire for adventure.