Manuscript Location

Pennsylvania State University, Paterno Library

Place of Origin

England

Date of Composition

ca. 1702-1704

Description

This receipt book opens with a six-page index, followed by four sections of recipes, each separated by about twenty pages, many of which are blank. The first section includes recipes for cakes, puddings, and other sweets. The second contains only a single recipe, for "Cordiall flower watter." The third section begins with recipes for savory dishes, continues with recipes attributed to Lord Craven, and concludes with additional recipes for cakes and puddings. The final section focuses on dairy recipes, chiefly for cheeses and cheesecakes. Many of the recipes are attributed, indicating Lady Craven's social connections. Attributions include Lady Bridgman, Lady Anderson, Lady Duncomb, Mrs Skipwith (Lady Craven's birth name), and Lord Craven.

The author of this book was born Elizabeth Skipwith in 1677 and became Baroness Craven upon her marriage to William Craven, 2nd Baron Craven of Hempsted Marshall, in 1697. She was the mother of William and Fulwar Craven, who became the 3rd and 4th Barons of Craven. She died in childbirth in 1704, at age 27.