View source for Trencher

A '''trencher''' is, simply, the bottom half of a loaf of [[bread]] which
is used as a [[plate]].  The loaf is cut horizontally lengthwise, then
food is piled on and consumed.  In [[period]], trenchers
themselves were not eaten, but thrown to the [[dog]]s (or
occasionally the [[poor]]).  If one was really wealthy, they placed
the trencher on a [[plate]], rather than on the table itself.

Bread trenchers were replaced by [[wood]]en trenchers (possibly for reasons of economy) which were generally square with a shallow dishing in the top. Later trenchers also have a secondary smaller dish, possibly for the containment of [[salt]] after it had been removed from a [[salt cellar]]. 

In the [[SCA]] some refer to large wooden [[plate]]s or [[platter]]s as
trenchers, but this is not [[period]].

For those who wish to try eating from a medieval trencher, simply
cut a loaf of thick, coarse bread (such as ''pumpernickel'')
horizontally along its length.  Set the top portion aside, and use
the flat-bottomed half as a plate.  Pile [[medieval]] [[food]]s on top of it
and dig in.   ''Do not'' try this on your lap, (or on mum's good
[[linen]] [[tablecloth]]) as a certain amount of gravy-leakage can be
expected to occur.
[[category:tableware]]