British Food, A History: Lent

This episode explores all the things that traditionally happen (and are eaten) before the great Lenten fast begins; Collop Monday, Pancake Day or to give its proper name Shrove Tuesday and the first day of the  fast itself, Ash Wednesday. We have an interview with the Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester and rediscover some 18th Century pancake recipes. For episode notes, please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/ Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery Produced by Beena Khetani Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio (https://www.sonderradio.com/)

This episode explores Ember Week, a nod to the coming of Spring always observed in the first full week of Lent. We see how folk in medieval Britain believed mood and health were controlled by the seasons. We also look at the history and rules of Lent.   Neil visits Manchester’s beautiful John Ryland’s library to view England’s oldest cookbook and attempts to cook from it ‘a tart for Ember Day’ for friends.    For episode notes, photos and recipes please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/     Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery Produced by Beena Khetani   Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio (https://www.sonderradio.com/)

In this episode we look at the Pagan aspects of Lent and Easter that have endured to the modern day and investigate how the Christian Church had to let folk keep some of their Pagan ways whilst simultaneously have them keep them at arm’s length. We also look at the history behind two Pagan icons: eggs and hot cross buns. Neil goes through the process of making hot cross buns and he visits Dormouse Chocolates, Manchester’s only bean to bar chocolatier to discuss eggs and the art of artisan chocolate-making.  For episode notes, photos and recipes please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/   Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery Produced by Beena Khetani   Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio (https://www.sonderradio.com/)

In episode four, we look at how Lent was dumbed over the years from extremely strict to almost non-existent. Then Neil investigates the natural history of Lent and has a conversation with Brenda Smith of Bud Garden Centre, Manchester about what the plants are up to and the food that can be grown in early spring. Neil then talks to Matthew Cobb, Professor of Zoology at Manchester University, about animals and their odd behaviour at this time of year. For episode notes, photos and links please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/  Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery. Produced by Beena Khetani.  Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio.

In the fifth episode of the series we look at Mid-Lent Sunday, traditionally a day where lots of different celebrations occurred, but we focus on Mothering Sunday and the lesser known Clipping the Church.  Neil bakes a simnel cake and chats again to the Right Reverend David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, about the history of Mothering Sunday. Neil then looks at the evidence that suggests that fasting has many potential health benefits and puts theory to the test by going on a two week long fast of his own with mixed results... There’s also the answer to Professor Matthew Cobb’s minnow mystery from last week. For episode notes, photos and links please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/  Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery. Produced by Beena Khetani.  Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio.

In the penultimate episode of the podcast, we look at what goes on in the fifth Sunday of Lent, which was called Carlin Sunday in some parts of Britain, a day when carlin (aka black) peas were traditionally eaten. Neil goes on a trip to Bury Market to seek them out and hopefully get a taste. We also find out about how social evolution theory can explain our behaviour during Lent, and Neil has another chat with Professor Matthew Cobb of Manchester University about how the source of our morals is our genes themselves. For episode notes, please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/ Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery Produced by Beena Khetani Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio (https://www.sonderradio.com/)

In the final episode of the series we look at how the last Sunday of Lent was marked in the past, focussing on Fig Sunday and Palm Sunday.    Neil cooks up some historical pax cakes to give out to shoppers and traders at Levenshulme Market so see how then would go down today.    With Easter Sunday on his mind, Neil gets hold of some very special meat from a Hebridean sheep farm and has a chat with farmer Helen Arthan about what it’s like working with such characterful little sheep. On his return to Manchester, he cooks up some roast hogget for two friends of the show.      For episode notes, photos and recipes please visit https://britishfoodhistory.com/lent-podcast/     Written and presented by Dr Neil Buttery Produced by Beena Khetani    Made in Manchester by Sonder Radio (https://www.sonderradio.com/)