The 1600s House
The Oven before the bake
Sulgrave Manor (2003)
Members of The Group are fully proficient in all forms of cooking and fire management present in the period (including peat fires).
This picture shows the bake oven at The Manor about 10 minutes after the initial fire has been lit. It has been restoked and the bellows are used to force the fire to the rear of the oven so as to ensure an even burn.
This is a beehive oven so when the fire dies down it is raked out and the food placed in. We have used this oven for over 10 years and are good enough to produce a double bake from one firing - nearly 40 loaves; plus pies; custards and biscuits.Photographer: Susanne Atkin
