Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1563

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.2 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

British family collection of recipes, 1747-1807, Ms. Coll. 1653, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1747-1807 (inclusive)

Abstract:

This collection dates from 1747 to 1807 and consists of culinary, household, and medicinal recipes written and compiled in England, likely by one family or household. There is a vellum bound recipe book, a stitched recipe booklet, and numerous loose sheets with recipes, many of which are to or by the Nicholls family.

This collection appears to have been created by Elizabeth [Sacker] and William Cuslove in addition to a number of unknown people. There is probably some familial relationship between the Cusloves, the Sackers, and the Nicholls, with whom many recipes were shared, but these relationships cannot be verified.

These families probably lived in England in the mid-18th and early 19th centuries. Within the materials are references to London and Shrewsbury, but it is unclear if this household was in either of those locations.

This material was possibly generated from or shared with members of the household and remained together as the household's collection of recipes.

Little is known about the Nicholls family and their relation to the creators of the vellum-bound recipe book and stitched recipe booklet is unclear.

This collection dates from 1747 to 1807 and consists of culinary, household, and medicinal recipes written and compiled in England, likely by one family or household. There is a vellum bound recipe book, a stitched recipe booklet, and numerous loose sheets with recipes, many of which are to or by the Nicholls family. The recipes seem to be largely interconnected, with the same names and hands appearing on multiple items.

The vellum bound recipe book (box 1, folder 1) dates from circa 1750s-1760s, with the only recorded dates being 1753 to 1754, and is written by four distinct hands: Elizabeth [Sacker], William Cuslove, and two anonymous hands. The recipes are largely, but not limited to, meat dishes, pickles, and wines, though others are included. The majority of the recipes are culinary, but there is Mrs. Staunton's receipt for the bite of a mad dog.

The stitched recipe booklet (box 1, folder 2) dates from circa 1750s-1760s and was written by Elizabeth [Sacker], with her name appearing on the front of the second leaf. It is partially illegible, so Sacker is an uncertain surname. Her hand also appears in the vellum bound recipe book. This booklet contains 11 leaves with 22 pages of text. The recipes are mostly, but not limited to, puddings, meat pies, and cakes or baked goods.

The loose recipe sheets cut from a volume (box 1, folder 3) were written in 1747 by the unidentified individual who appears as the third hand in the vellum bound recipe book.

Loose sheets with recipes (box 1, folder 4-9), likely sent to or written by members of the Nicholls family, date from circa 1750-1807 and are organized by recipe type: baking; culinary; household; medicinal; wines, vinegars, and brandy; and unidentified or miscellaneous.

These recipes are sent to or attributed to numerous individuals, including, Colonel Thomas Nicholls, General Nicholls, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholls, Mrs. Nicholls, Samuel Nicholls, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Pearson, S. Saunders, C. Cooke, John Compton, Major General Brodhurst, and Captain Cochlear.

The baking recipe is a recipe to make gingerbread. The culinary recipes include "to pot salmon," perigo pie, German white soup, and several jams and jellies. Household recipes include lavender water and rose water. Medicinal recipes include those to treat colds, headaches, scurvy, and rheumatism, among other various ailments.