Manuscript Location

University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Kislak Center for Special Collections - Manuscripts

Place of Origin

England ➔ Derbyshire

Date of Composition

1812-1863

Description

This book was compiled by Joseph Gilbert, Junior, and his wife, Ellen Heathcote Gilbert, who married on June 9, 1918, in Bakewell, Derbyshire, England. The inside front cover of the notebook bears a label that suggests that Joseph Gilbert acquired the notebook in June 1812; an inscription, also on the inside front cover, indicates that he gave the notebook to his wife shortly after they were married: "Ellen Gilbert the gift of her husband 13th May 1819." The couple compiled the book in Derbyshire, between the years 1812 and 1863.

Written in two hands, the book contains culinary and medical recipes and diverse other materials on 260 consecutively numbered pages starting with page 1. There are two indexes. The culinary recipes cover buns, cakes (including Derby shortcakes), custards, gingerbread, pies, puddings, and wines. Many of the recipes are attributed, including to Mrs. T. Heathcote, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Williams. The volume also contains standard units of weights and measures for ale, apothecary items, cloth, height, land, time, and wool; practical agricultural measures for a haystack, irregularly shaped fields, and a water trough; directions for building an icehouse; notes on the geography of Europe and England, with detailed information concerning English counties and government; and, on pages 50-53, a prayer and letter signed by the Angel Gabriel concerning Jesus.