Feeding the Population: A History of Food in England

Flashcards based on lecture notes about feeding the population of England throughout history.

What characterized hunter-gatherer societies in early England?

Reliance on wild animals, fish, berries, and plants; food availability dependent on climate and geography.

Name some farming techniques and crops that the Romans introduced to England.

Wheat, grapes, olives; also, development of trade networks and agricultural knowledge.

What items did the Romans bring to England?

Grapes, apples, pears, cherries, plums, cabbages, onions, leeks, celery, carrots, asparagus and spices like coriander, dill, and fennel. Also glassware and wine.

What was the staple drink of the Anglo-Saxons who arrived during the Medieval Period?

Ale

How did the feudal system affect access to food?

Access to food sources was limited to land ownership; peasants worked land for a small percentage of the harvest.

What role did monasteries play in food production during the Medieval Period?

Centers of agriculture; created market towns, brewed ale, baked bread, and created cheeses.

What can you tell me about taverns during the Medieval Period?

Taverns became popular, especially after the Romans withdrew. Men brewed and served ale, and laws were put in place to regulate their presence.

What can you tell me about Inns during the Medieval Period?

Pilgrimages and travelers established places to stay called Inns, which also often had ale houses with rooms and stables for travelers, traders, and crusaders. They popped up all over trade routes and had signage with pictures as many people couldn't read.

What agricultural improvements occurred during the Medieval Period?

Windmills and watermills for grain processing; improved farming techniques like crop rotation and heavy plows; animal harnessing.

How did global foods change the English diet in the 16th-18th centuries?

New global foods began to change English diet and increased consumption of meat causing a large divide in classes; the wealthy ate imported foods.

How did the crown play a role in the economics of food in the 16th-18th centuries?

Whenever money could be made, the crown got a piece of the action and established government tariffs which impacted local grain production, liquor production, land holdings, etc…

What were the Corn Laws?

A series of laws attempting to control grain markets.

What factors fueled colonization?

Global domination and private commercialism

How did taxation affect the food supply?

Import duties, sales taxes, and merchant licenses were granted. Corn Laws increased duties on grain, leading to higher bread prices and famine. The feeding of soldiers and sailors developed entire food industries.

What role did the British crown play in merchant exploration?

The Crown gave approval for merchant exploration, which made Britain an enormous amount of money and increased trade of new food stuffs.

Cite some examples of industries created to feed sailors and soldiers.

Cheese, salt cod from Newfoundland, ale, salted beef from Argentina, biscuits