Elinor Fettiplace

Elinor Fettiplace was an English noblewoman and recipe collector from the late 16th/early 17th century who compiled an extensive manuscript of recipes and household instructions known as "Lady Fettiplace's Receipt Book." The manuscript, dated 1604, provides detailed insights into Tudor and early Stuart period cooking, household management, and medicine. The book includes recipes for preserves, candies, medicines, and household items like soap and perfumes. Her recipe collection remained in private hands for centuries until food historian Hilary Spurling discovered and published it in 1986. The published version, "Elinor Fettiplace's Receipt Book: Elizabethan Country House Cooking," has become an important primary source for understanding early modern English domestic life and culinary practices. Fettiplace's work is particularly valued for its precise measurements and detailed instructions, which was unusual for recipe books of that era. Her manuscript demonstrates the sophisticated culinary knowledge of upper-class English households and their integration of new ingredients from expanding global trade networks.

Very few public reader reviews exist for Elinor Fettiplace's works since her recipe manuscript was private until Hilary Spurling published it in 1986. Readers of the published version appreciate: - The historical details about Elizabethan household management - Clear, practical recipe instructions that can still be followed today - Insights into daily life of English nobility - The mix of culinary, medicinal, and household recipes Common critiques focus on: - Difficulty finding modern equivalents for period ingredients - Need for more context around some recipes - Limited availability of the published book On Goodreads, "Elinor Fettiplace's Receipt Book" has a 4.13/5 rating from 15 reviewers. Amazon shows 4.5/5 from 11 reviews. One reader noted: "A fascinating look into a 17th century kitchen. The recipes are surprisingly accessible." Another commented: "Valuable primary source but would benefit from more explanatory notes."

Elinor Fettiplace's Receipt Book - A comprehensive collection of Elizabethan-era recipes, medicinal remedies, and household instructions written in 1604, detailing methods for preparing preserves, candies, medicines, soap, and perfumes with unusually precise measurements for its time.

Hannah Woolley She authored several 17th century English cookbooks and household guides including "The Queen-like Closet" and "The Ladies Directory." Her works share similarities with Fettiplace's in documenting period cooking methods and household management practices.

Gervase Markham His "The English Housewife" (1615) provides comprehensive coverage of cooking and household management in early modern England. His focus on practical instruction and detailed recipes mirrors Fettiplace's approach to documentation.

Hugh Plat His "Delightes for Ladies" (1602) contains recipes for preserves and candies that align with Fettiplace's interests. His work similarly captures the intersection of cookery, medicine, and household crafts in Tudor-Stuart England.

Robert May His "The Accomplisht Cook" (1660) represents the sophisticated cooking traditions of upper-class English households during this period. The book contains detailed recipes and techniques that complement Fettiplace's documentation of elite household practices.

Martha Washington Her "Booke of Cookery" manuscript, compiled in the late 17th century, contains similar content to Fettiplace's work regarding preserves, medicines, and household recipes. The collection demonstrates comparable documentation of women's domestic knowledge and practices during this era.