From this webpage you can download recipes from manuscripts held in the Archives & Local Studies collection, and read the modern day versions of these original recipes.

We currently have two recipes you might like to try, taken from the Memorandum Book of Mrs. Elizabeth Forth: 'Everlasting Syllabub' and 'Two Penny Cakes'.

The Memorandum Book is a notebook dating from 1792 - 1793, in which former York resident Mrs Forth recorded details of the servants' work, the household accounts and a variety of recipes; some culinary and some medicinal.  Download the document from this page to find out more about Mrs Forth, and to view the recipes.

Let us know what you think

We would really like to hear what you think of these recipes.  If you are tempted to try one then do let us know how it turned out. Send us a photograph if possible!  Would you like to see further historical recipes from manuscripts in our archives?

Send your comments to Allison Freeman:

Explore York Library Learning Centre
Museum Street
York
YO1 7DS
email: allison.freeman@york.gov.uk