Replica Medieval glazed pottery aquamanile.

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

Replica Medieval glazed pottery aquamanile in the form of a ram, from the St Albans Museums teaching collection. This vessel was used with a basin for handwashing before meals. Medieval table manners were extremely strict. There were etiquette manuals for young people. All classes washed their hands before meals. A touch of luxury could be added by scenting the water. This recipe comes from a 14th century household manual “Le Menagier de Paris 1393): “To make water to wash the hands at table. Boil sage, then strain the water, and let cool until it is luke-warm. Or instead you can use camomile or marjoram, or rosemary : and cook with the peel of an orange. And also laurel leaves [bay leaves] are good for this.”

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Digital Camera

[not applicable].

25/06/2007