In 1517, a Royal Proclamation
was issued in an attempt to
curb excessive feasting.
The number of dishes which
could be served was regulated
‘according to the rank of the
highest person present’, thus
if the host, or one of the guests
was a cardinal, nine courses
could legally be served; if a lord
of parliament, six courses; and
if a citizen with an income of
£500 per year, three courses.
Given that we are now in the
21st Century, we suggest that
you choose as many as you
will enjoy.
A Dine footman at Bramham Park
