History In The Making

Ever wondered how food would have tasted without modern ingredients and cooking devices? Well ,dear readers, worry no more. Explore the world of 18th century cooking with the delectable recipes by Mrs. Crocombe and the Townsends on YouTube.

Dressing up and adopting behaviors of the past is something which appeals to a lot of people in the present times.

One such person adopting those practices is Kathy Hipperson, who is a historical interpreter and educator famous for playing the role of Mrs. Crocombe. Mrs. Crocombe was an 18th century cook at the Audley End House in Essex. Kathy works for 'The Victorian Way' YouTube channel which is a part of 'English Heritage' and started portraying the Victorian cook about a year back.

Kathy Hipperson as Mrs. Crocombe .

The real Mrs. Crocombe was born in 1838 , in Devon and started working at the age of thirteen. She did various odd jobs around the farm before she started working for Lord and Lady Braybrook at the Audley End House.

The Audley End House.

She was supposedly a good catch for her employers as she received half the salary paid to her male counterparts. Avis married Benjamin Stride in 1884 and had no biological children of her own but adopted her husband's previous issues.

The real Avis Crocombe with her husband Benjamin Stride.

It was her great great nephew , Robert Stride who found the cook book about a decade ago, which had belonged to her. Ever since that golden discovery was made, six actresses have played the role of Mrs. Crocombe.

The original cook book of Avis Crocombe.

Her famous recipes include Gâteau de Pommes , Cucumber ice cream and the incredible Roly Poly Pudding. The Roll Poly Pudding is known to have a special place in Mrs. Crocombe's heart as it was a dish made exclusively for servants like herself. Avis Crocombe is portrayed wonderfully along with the life under the stairs , complete with the smallest of details.

Roly Poly Pudding made by Mrs. Crocombe on YouTube.

Although it seems obvious that to play a role of a person in the past , one must have a degree in History for the world to see. Well, James Townsend and his family definitely puts an end to typecasting of that sort.

Jas Townsend and Co. is a family owned businesses in Indiana which sells colonial goods of the 17th and 18th century. James Townsend, who was inclined towards Victorian lifestyle, started the store in 1873. The business is now headed by Jonathan Townsend and his family.

Jonathan Townsend with his wife and daughters.

He started the very popular YouTube channel ' Townsends' in which he is found to be dressed up in various 18th century outfits as the host of the videos who instructs the viewers on how to go about with the cooking.

Jonathan Townsend in one of his videos in his 18th century garb.

People like Kathy and Jonathan have undoubtedly enriched our lives by reliving moments of the past , connecting hearts through the gut and giving the viewers a taste of history.