The traditional nursery rhyme ‘Sing A Song Of Sixpence’ takes its origins from lavish medieval banquets ….

”Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie,
When the pie was opened, the birds began to sing,
Oh, wasn’t that a dainty dish to set before the king?”

MEDIEVAL BANQUET HISTORY

For most of us the word ‘banquet’ conjures up vivid and colourful imagery - plentiful food and wine, exotic recipes, lavish presentations, grand table layouts, gloriious surroundings and marvellous entertainment. Medieval banquets in particular seem to hold a fascination for many people. The Arthurian legend, its tales of Camelot and a glorious age of chivalry has perhaps been a key contributor to that.

Nations and peoples have always regarded food as a defining characteristic of their culture. Food celebrations (and conversely food taboos) play an important role in a people’s culture and  throughout history those wishing to demonstrate power or splendour have used food to convey that. The nobles of medieval England used feasting in this way and hence the medieval banquet was born.

Banqueting was not just about medieval food, however. A complex ritual of other things was involved from table layouts and menus to table manners, from service etiquette and courtly entertainment to hall decorations. The food itself was just one part of what was involved.

Traditionally banquets were held in the Great Hall of a medieval castle or manor house. Special guests would be seated at the high table and glass or metal goblets were used for drinking wine with tankards used for drinking ale.

There were special  feasts for different days in the year including Christmas and New Year and sometimes even after a special political or royal achievement.