Hello, darlings!

I’ve been utterly immersed with excitement since my last visit to the green rippling countryside of Somersetshire, “Ooh arr, Ooh arr!” I hear you bellow with sheer delight! Please note: Somersetshire is the archaic name for such a spiffing snippet of the West-Country, which is simply known in this day and age as Somerset.

So, darlings, please join Miss Windsor for a merry jaunt down memory lane, then a bimble into the present, whilst one reveals many humorous and riveting titbits about Taunton Deane’s very own, illustrious, dynamic duo – Mr & Mrs Hill. Who I recently joined for a scrumptious spot of afternoon tea in The Column Room at Hestercombe House, which is pleasantly plonked within the parish of West Monkton, and beautifully nestled on the Quantock Hills, near Taunton, Somerset.

Photo Credit – Hestercombe House & Gardens – CLICK HERE ​

​Now, I must tell you, whilst we chumbled away on freshly baked scones and fancy cakes (all handmade at Hestercombe) it was divulged to Miss Windsor that the dynamic duo has just recovered from a frightfully unusual case of “pew bum” – I say, how ghastly! but more about that later.  

Photo Credit – Hestercombe House & Gardens – CLICK HERE

And by the way, if you just so happen to be reading this from the comfort of your abode in the ward of Pyrland and Rowbarton, then you’ve probably known Mrs Hill for the past 24 years by her official title of “councillor”.

​Or, you may have had the pleasure of coming face to face with Mr Hill – a keen “castleologist” and member of The Sealed Knot Society (Mrs Hill’s also a member) during re-enactments of battles, skirmishes and sieges of the English Civil War.

Darlings, I first met Cllr Marcia Hill and her beloved Consort Mr Julian Hill at Somerset Day in Bishops Lydeard, which is a yearly event that celebrates Somerset as a place to live, work or play – hear, hear! I must say, it was a rather memorable occasion, as Cllr Hill, also a director of Apple FM, interviewed Miss Windsor for the Community Matters radio show. Oh, yes, and we got on “like a house on fire”, and so we’ve been cheerful chums ever since.  

Also, in 2015/2016, whilst out and about in Taunton, you may have bumped into Cllr Hill wearing her full regalia – sporting a bright red robe, a triangular hat, and a rather striking ruffled piece of finery known as a “jabot”.

I dare say, this type of attire sounds rather like fancy dress, but fear not, as Cllr Hill enunciated to Miss Windsor, “I persevered and persevered, and then the year I retired, bam, I was made the “Taunton Deane Mayor” – well, that clearly explains the elaborate clothing, and By Jove! what a far cry from Cllr Hill’s childhood dream of becoming a prima ballerina.

Now, before we proceed any further, it’s evident that Mr and Mrs Hill were destined to be together, as they were both born in Canon Street Maternity Hospital, Taunton – Aaaaah! Then years later, in 1966 to be exact, they first clapped eyes on each other at a New Year’s Eve bash. Apparently, Mr Hill was quite the gent, and so chaperoned his future wife on a midnight stroll to the fag machine – How romantic! 

Funnily enough, he then appeared the following day on his sweetheart’s doorstep – cheeky! And so, proclaimed to Miss Windsor with a slight tone of disappointment, “She promised to cut my hair like Steve Marriott from the Small Faces!” – which sadly never materialised! Nevertheless, they married in 1969 and have been gazing into each other’s eyes with oodles of adoration ever since.

​Interestingly, during their early years of marriage, the happy couple worked for the Jarman’s – Mr Hill worked as a mechanic for Neil Jarman at Edwards Motors, and Mrs Hill worked for Anne Jarman at Motherhood (maternity wear) – a family affair, indeed! 

​And it was also disclosed to Miss Windsor that during the retro years of 1970s, Mrs Hill was a Pyrex Lady – curtsey please – a purveyor of fine kitchen glassware. Apparently, one possessed a complete set of “checker’s” and “rose” design compact casserole dishes, plus many other bits and bobs’ like mixing bowls and a rolling pin – How fabulously vintage! 

Now, I’m proud to declare that Mr & Mrs Hill are the sweetest couple I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting from Somerset, and you may have noticed they do indeed wear many hats, albeit the triangular sort!

​In fact, for the past 8 years or so Mrs Hill has been a trustee of Hestercombe Gardens Trust (and house) and very much supports the vision of Philip White MBE (founder and chief executive) whom in 1995 with sheer grit and determination; and with a little help from re-mortgaging his house, set about restoring the landscape to its former glory – didn’t he do well!

Darlings, you’ll be pleased to know that Hestercombe House is a rather stupendous erection (Oh, I say!), which was originally built in the 16th century for the Warre family. In fact, the Hestercombe Estate dates all the way back to the 11th century when it was owned by Glastonbury Abbey.

Also, you’ll be chuffed to discover as a contribution towards the war effort, Hestercombe Estate was utilised during the Second World War as headquarters for the British 8th Corps until January 12th 1943. Then it became the residence of choice as the HQ of the United States 19th District supply services.

Photo credit – Hestercombe House & Gardens – CLICK HERE ​

I proudly declare that the quintessential treat of afternoon tea in The Column Room was the ultimate finishing touch to my guided tour of the historical gardens. You see, I was feeling exceedingly peckish, and my tootsies were in dire need of a well-deserved rest from toddling around three centuries of garden design – Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian.

In fact, the latter was designed by the highly acclaimed English architect – Sir Edwin Lutyens, and planted by world-renowned, British horticulturist; garden designer, and writer – Gertrude Jekyll. My word! what a fabulous fusion of green-fingered greatness and creative construction.

Now I must admit, my nasal passage also required a brief spell of relaxation, “What on earth for, Miss Windsor?” I hear you shriek with immense concern!

​Well, I recall feeling rather mesmerised by the sensual stream of Mrs Hill’s favourite fragrance of Youth Dew (by Estee Lauder) which swirled through the summertide breeze accompanied by the sweet scent of white roses – it was quite the “potpourri”! Thus, as one can imagine, also a slight irritation to one’s sensitive snout!

Photo Credit – Bath Museum – CLICK HERE 

I say I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to know that Youth Dew has been Mrs Hill’s scent of choice since 1968, and of course, darling Mr Hill has been buying it for her ever since. Apparently, during the swinging 60’s and beyond, this fancy perfume was quite the rage in Taunton and was only available to purchase once per year from Colmers or Debenhams.

In comparison to the waft of Youth Dew, Mr Hill intoned to Miss Windsor, “I prefer leather, sweat, and gunpowder!” – How pleasant! 

Photo credit – Historical Houses – CLICK HERE

Moving swiftly on, as I merrily flick through the highlights of my first official engagement with Mr and Mrs Hill, I recall nibbling on a delicious chicken sarnie and supping on Special Earl Grey Tea, as I gazed through the rickety sash window enwreathed by a rambling plant of some sort, whilst I absorbed my first celestial taste of “paradise restored”. Well, the Formal Gardens of the Victorian Terrace and Great Plat, to be exact! where work began in 1998 to resurrect such splendour back to its original beauty. 

Photo Credit – County Gazette – CLICK HERE 

​Now, I bet you’re gagging to find out about their unfortunate sufferance of pew bum! Well, during Cllr Hill’s appointment as Taunton Deane Mayor they were invited to many church events where for hours on end, one perched their derrière upon a hard-wooden surface, namely a pew.

​Which of course, caused great and long-lasting discomfort, but thankfully by the end of one’s year in office there was no pews insight when they attended the garden party at Buckingham Palace, London, along with their beautiful daughters – and so their road to recovery commenced. 

Darlings, and whilst having a jolly ol’ chinwag with Mr and Mrs Hill during afternoon tea, I discovered many things, and I was enthralled to hear all about Mrs Hill’s culinary memories of yesteryear.

I recall that Mrs Hill excitedly uttered to Miss Windsor “I was brought up in a house with fifteen family members, and I have wonderful memories of my gran’s cooking – roast dinners, soups, suet puddings, rice pudding, and apple dumplings.” 

​Then with an air of nostalgia, Mrs Hill recalled: “Every Saturday morning my aunty Sylvia would buy “sprats” and fresh vegetables from the local market, and she’d also bring home a copy of the County Gazette.” 

Photo Credit – Francis Frith – CLICK HERE​

Now, before I pop off for a ladylike, half-pint of Mrs Hill’s favourite Somerset cider by Sheppy’s, followed by a stonker of a pork sausage (Oh, I say!) which Mr Hill is also rather partial to, and affectionately declared to Miss Windsor “You can’t beat a West-Country local pork sausage, it’s just got to be on a breakfast plate.”

I wish to indulge your good selves with Mr Hill’s Somersetshire dulcet tones – Ooh aar, Ooh arr! whilst he joyfully recites a well-known phrase, “Somerset born, Somerset bred, strong in the arm, and thick in the head!” – and there you have it.

I say, on that note, it’s a goodbye from me and a huge farewell and see you again soon, from Taunton Deane’s very own treasures of the community – Mr and Mrs Hill.

Oh, and before I forget, if you’re a fan of the outdoors, fancy a light-bite or afternoon tea, then please pop along to HESTERCOMBE HOUSE & GARDENS which is open all year round except for Christmas Day.

​Toodles! 

Miss Windsor x

Please note Cllr Marcia Hill’s other involvements:

Trustee of SBP T (Somerset Buildings and Preservation Trust) and Co-ordinator/Facilitator of Yarnbombing for Taunton Live (Go-Create).

The post Afternoon Tea with Cllr Marcia Hill at Hestercombe House & Gardens! appeared first on Miss Windsor's Delectables.

Hello, darlings!​

I say, it feels like an age since our last culinary rendezvous!

But fear not my dears, Miss Windsor’s here to flurry you with her delineation of an extraordinary, Georgian, handwritten cookbook unearthed a few years ago by Monks at Downside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse (Radstock, Somerset). Now darlings, for the sake of those fanatics, it’s not quite Downton Abbey, but it’s awfully close!

This culinary masterpiece, bestowed the title of the Begbrook Kitchen Library, dates from 1793 and originates from Begbrook House (Frenchay) Bristol, England. Now I know what you’re thinking darlings, “How on earth did this cookbook end up retiring at Downside Abbey?” Read on and all will be revealed……..and whilst here, please do enjoy some excerpts from my interview with the delightful Father Christopher Calascione!

Before I proceed any further, I must tickle your palate with a titbit of information about a common dish enjoyed by many throughout the globe. Well, according to the local and national press, this remarkable slice of Bristol’s culinary past could possibly contain the oldest recipe for an English CHICKEN CURRY (How fascinating!).

Darlings, many years ago, well not that long ago, Downside Abbey was granted money from the Lottery Heritage Fund to open up their archive’s and to restore the library (How spiffing!).

And whilst scouring through layers upon layers of papers and objects from the days of yore, monks found this frightfully important piece of culinary history on top of a “slave ship journal”. I say it doesn’t take a clever mind to conclude that this journal is undoubtedly linked to Bristol’s sordid past with the transatlantic slave trade (what a disgrace).

​And for many years it waited patiently, covered in dust, perched behind a box of paperwork concerning excavations at Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset.

It is true that the Begbrook Kitchen Library resided on top of that journal for years drenched in mystery, and although I cannot praise the monks enough for discovering this culinary marvel, my first port of call was to contact the Frenchay Village Museum.

The kindly volunteer informed me that Begbrook House was built during the late 1700s by Thomas Graeme whose family owned Oldbury Court. And having thoroughly researched this subject, one presumes Thomas rented Begbrook House to Dr Robert Lovell who was born in Barbados and came to Bristol in 1792. Dr Lovell was elected Physician to the Royal Infirmary, known today as the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

In 1793, one year following Dr Lovell’s arrival, one believes that this suitably employed piece of kitchenalia set sail from Bristol on its long and mysterious culinary journey until it was disinterred by monks!

The housekeeper, or possibly the lady of Begbrook House, no doubt, forgathered many of the 142 recipes which were initially written with a “goose quill”, then later with a “steel pen”, such as Fricassee of Pigs Feet & Ears, Calves Head Turtle Fashion, Stew Knuckle of Veal, Stew Pigeons, Parsnip Pudding, Almond Faggots, Sally Luns, and of course CHICKEN CURRY!

Over the years, Begbrook House changed ownership many times. One of Begbrook’s residents, Daniel Parsons, a Catholic convert resided at Begbrook House with his wife (author Gertrude Parsons) from 1852 until they moved in 1855 to Stuart’s Lodge, Little Malvern in Worcestershire.

​According to Downside Abbey’s very own culinary enthusiast and local TV personality, Father Christopher Calascione, “This was originally the hunting lodge for the Duke of Beaufort.”

In fact, by sheer coincidence, Father Christopher spent ten years looking after the parish of Little Malvern, and Stuart’s Lodge just so happened to be located next to his church.
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Father Christopher revealed, “This is when I started to cook for myself. The monastery (Downside Abbey) was pleased, as I managed to reduce the house-keeping costs!” – good on you, Father Christopher!

During the late 1800s, Daniel Parsons bequeathed the cookbook, along with other family papers and memorabilia to Downside Abbey – Steven Parsons (Downside Abbey Outreach Officer) informed Miss Windsor, “He left Stuart’s Lodge to the Downside Monks of Little Malvern”.

To one’s amazement, Daniel must have been quite attached to this leather-bound culinary antiquity, which unsurprisingly aroused oodles of interest from far and beyond following its 21st century discovery!

The thing is, when dearest Daniel moved to Stuart’s Lodge, taking with him the wondrous Begrook Kitchen Library, he had no inkling of a clue what would become of this gem of a book. Luckily for us, it provides an insight into Georgian dining enjoyed by the residents (and their guests) who resided at one of Bristol’s grandest abodes. I say Miss Windsor is most grateful for Daniel’s amassment of curios, and for his role in preserving such a savoured slice of Bristol’s food history.

Sadly, my dears, Begbrook House no longer stands as it was completely gutted by fire in 1913 by Suffragettes (well, according to the tale it was!).

“Miss Windsor, what about that darn Chicken Curry!” you utter. Well, I was absolutely fascinated when I learnt that the Begbrook Kitchen Library could possibly contain the oldest recipe for an English Chicken Curry, which consists of veal gravy, pounded rice, and curry powder.

​Of course, I carried out extensive research into such statement and found it to be sensationalised by the local and national press.

To soothe one’s curious mind, I delved deep into the history of Chicken Curry, and I reveal that the most renowned and earliest published recipe first appeared in an English cookery book written by Hannah Glasse in 1747, The Art of Cookery made Plain & Easy.
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Now darlings, surprisingly the illustrious Hannah Glasse has a rival! Held by the Wellcome Library (London, England) is an anonymous manuscript from 1675, which contains an English recipe for a Vindaloo Flavoured Roast – a roast what, I wonder?

You see Hannah’s recipe from 1747 calls for spice such as pepper and coriander seeds, then in 1751 (4th edition), she introduced ginger and turmeric.

Fast forward a few decades to the Bristolian version that requires a “ready-made” ground substance known as curry powder, and one can easily surmise that many Bristolians’ may have been a trifle lackadaisical in the cookery department! After all, well according to my resources, curry powder is an 18th century English invention (although, some folks may disagree), made purely for convenience.

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One of the earliest adverts on record for the commercial sale of curry powder is from the 1780s and could be purchased from Sorlie’s Perfumery Warehouse, No.23, Piccadilly, near Air Street, London. The advert reassures the reader, It is exceedingly pleasant and healthful – renders the stomach active in digestion.

Now, how did Bristol get its mitts on curry powder during the late 1700s?. To solve this mystery I contacted Bristol Museum and was advised by Sue Giles the Senior Curator World Cultures:
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The East India Company held the monopoly of trade with India and the spice islands. But, grocers in Bristol would have bought Asian spices, including perhaps curry powder from wholesalers in London, as well as spices imported directly to Bristol from the Caribbean.

Darlings, luckily Downside Abbey decided to share their treasured artefact with the outside community, and in 2017 published the Bristol Georgian Cookbook, which can be purchased from Amazon, or via their website: www.downside.co.uk

I say darlings, Miss Windsor must pop off now to indulge in a tipple or two of Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Oh, and before our next culinary rendezvous, I invite you to click on the image below and read my delightful interview with Father Christopher.

Cheerio for now,

Miss Windsor x

The post Handwritten Georgian Cookbook Discovered by Monks at Downside Abbey! appeared first on Miss Windsor's Delectables.

Hello, darlings!

Since our last culinary rendezvous, and by a sheer stroke of serendipity, I discovered Patricia Matthews of Bolton, Greater Manchester, England via social media (How spiffing!).

At the grand age of 67, Patricia became an author of her first cookery book (bestowed the title of Grandma’s Antique Recipes), a YouTube sensation, and a local celebrity.

Suffice to say, Patricia and I have many things in common, one being we’re extremely gung-ho at reviving recipes and cooking practices from a bygone era. Therefore, I relished the opportunity to interview Patricia, which has been featured in my monthly column – The Whidbey Weekly. And purely for your delectation, I have included a few excerpts here from my interview with Patricia.
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Now, here’s a little insight into this magnificent lady. Patricia entered this world in 1946 and grew up in Bolton, which during such time was considered part of Lancashire. Along with a plethora of siblings, she was raised in a red brick, two up two down terraced house, which one would lovingly describe as a “bijou” residence.

Patricia being a strong-minded kinda lass managed to avoid the cotton mill. She eventually worked for William Walker & Sons leather factory, where at the tender age of 20 years old Patricia met her husband to be – the handsome Ronnie.

You see darlings, during those glorious days of courting (American translation: dating), Ronnie introduced his sweetheart to his legendary Grandmother Sarah, who was born in Salford, Lancashire during the reign of Queen Victoria (curtsey please!). Patricia affectionately described Grandmother Sarah as, “Strait-laced, but with a wicked sense of humour!”

Grandmother Sarah was an excellent cook, who whipped-up an abundance of culinary delights in her 1950s style kitchen. In fact, Grandmother Sarah handwrote a gem of a book which comprises of 160 recipes for cakes, cures, medicines, furniture polishes, and handy hints.

This book was bequeathed to Patricia in Grandmother Sarah’s Will, along with her wedding ring, trifle dishes, rolling pin, and weighing scales.

Darlings, for 40 years this book laid safely tucked away within the comfortable surroundings of Patricia’s most impregnable drawers (Oh, I say!). It stayed there until plans were made to revive Grandmother Sarah’s handwritten legacy, and Patricia enthused, “It gives an insight into the lives of women from Grandmother Sarah’s era.”

Patricia recalled many fond memories, including her favourite kitchen maxim (kitchen rule of conduct) that Grandmother Sarah would often trumpet when trotting around her 1950s kitchen.

Patricia giggled a little before she recited, “Oh no, no, no, no, here it goes again, the biggest hurry, the least speed!” She then explained to Miss Windsor, “If you rush and splutter, mistakes will be made, then you have to start all over again” – of course, one couldn’t agree more.

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During the revival of Grandmother Sarah’s gem of a book, together with Patricia’s husband, and an SLR camera in hand, they set about filming a YouTube Channel called Grandma’s Antique Recipes.

Funny thing is, Ronnie had no idea how to edit the footage, therefore, he patiently reshot each episode until his darling wife got it right – apparently, the outtakes are absolutely hilarious! Darlings, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll be treated next to a comedy outtake series of Patricia’s blunders……watch this space!

Following Patricia’s enormous success, her local radio station, Bolton FM, invited her to guest star in their Community Corner show where she talked about all things “old-fashioned” (How spiffing!). She also appeared on the Mel & Sue Show at Princess TV in London, where fellow guests Jack Whitehall and his father absolutely adored Patricia’s Corned Beef Hash Pie.

Darlings, please click on the image below for Miss Windsor’s spiffing article and interview – Memories of a Lancashire Lass. 

Also, why not purchase Patricia’s book, Grandma’s Antique Recipes via Amazon. All proceeds go to charity.

​Cheerio for now,

Miss Windsor x

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