Trencher: Difference between revisions
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themselves were not eaten, but thrown to the [[dog]]s (or |
themselves were not eaten, but thrown to the [[dog]]s (or |
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occasionally the [[poor]]). If one was really wealthy, they placed |
occasionally the [[poor]]). If one was really wealthy, they placed |
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the trencher on a plate, rather than on the table itself. |
the trencher on a [[plate]], rather than on the table itself. |
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Bread trenchers were replaced by [[wooden]] 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]]. |
Bread trenchers were replaced by [[wooden]] 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]]. |
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In the [[SCA]] some refer to large wooden |
In the [[SCA]] some refer to large wooden [[plate]]s or [[platter]]s as |
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trenchers, but this is not [[period]]. |
trenchers, but this is not [[period]]. |
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cut a loaf of thick, coarse bread (such as ''pumpernickel'') |
cut a loaf of thick, coarse bread (such as ''pumpernickel'') |
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horizontally along its length. Set the top portion aside, and use |
horizontally along its length. Set the top portion aside, and use |
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the flat-bottomed half as a plate. Pile medieval |
the flat-bottomed half as a plate. Pile [[medieval]] [[food]]s on top of it |
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and dig in. ''Do not'' try this on your lap, (or on mum's good |
and dig in. ''Do not'' try this on your lap, (or on mum's good |
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[[linen]] tablecloth) as a certain amount of gravy-leakage can be |
[[linen]] tablecloth) as a certain amount of gravy-leakage can be |
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Revision as of 19:30, 14 February 2006
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 then piled on and consumed. In period, trenchers themselves were not eaten, but thrown to the dogs (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 wooden 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 plates or platters 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 foods 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.
