London for Christmas

To many people, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without turkey and trimmings, pudding and brandy butter. But where do our notions of 'traditional fare' come from, and when modern writers 'reinvent' the Christmas meal, are they really doing anything so very different?

Food historian Annie Gray will chart the traditions of dinner, along with the specific foods consumed, from the high medieval to the Edwardian period. From the celebration of the twelve days under Edward I, to the masques and merriment at the court of Elizabeth I, Christmas has been a celebration, but it dwindled and nearly died under the Georgians, before being reborn under Victoria. Concentrating on dinner, this talk covers the way the English have celebrated Christmas, using recipe books, literary descriptions and illustrations, as well as experimental work on recipes from the everyday to the spectacular. Historic recipes will be available for you to sample as well as modernised versions for you to try at home.

This event includes a drinks reception.

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