Elizabeth was the first Duchess of Northumberland and established the domestic rules of this dynasty that has ruled for over 700 years. Controlling a household of great power and prestige, she laid down the guidelines in her 'Household Book' that created a framework from which to run Alnwick Castle and that, to this day, contains advice that is not only fascinating, but also remains highly relevant. The 'Household Book of the noble family of the Percies' is a fascinating insight into history and domesticity through the ages that is brought right up to date by Jane, the present Duchess of Northumberland. Compiling many of the 'Household Book's' wonderful recipes for jams, jellies and preserves, and featuring what is thought to be the oldest known recipe for marmalade, The Duchess of Northumberland's Little Book of Jams, Jellies and Preserves will appeal to everyone with an interest in cookery, household management and social history. The Duchess of Northumberland was responsible for the £35 million restoration of the 12 acres of walled garden at Alnwick Castle, which now includes the largest treehouse in the world and the famous Poison Garden. The Poison Garden remains one of the few places to have obtained permission from the Home Office to grow cannabis, opium poppies and catha edulis for display.

Found in the archive at Alnwick Castle, this little book features some of the oldest recipes for cocktails and cordials ever recorded. As well as tasting delicious, many of them have health-giving properties to treat everyday ailments such as asthma, weakness, balm and lip salve. To make Raspberry Wine: Take ripe Raspberries bruise them with the back of a spoon, strain them, and fill a Bottle with the Juice stop it but not very close, and set it by 4 or 5 Days: then pour it off from the Dregs, and add thereto as much Rhenish or White Wine, as the Juice will well colour; that done sweeten your Wine with Loaf Sugar, and bottle it up for Use.

The Wartime Housewife will bring old fashioned values and skills to our very modern world! In this book, she shares recipes and tips on budgeting, repairing things, mending and scavenging; ideas for the school holidays, outings, gardening, DIY, sewing and craft; and anything else that might prove useful in your daily life. The Wartime Housewife knows only too well what it is like to manage on a tight budget and, by following her way, you too can learn to make the very best of what you have, as well as seeing the value in what is around you and making the most of it. Written with sharp wit and illustrated with vintage photographs, Wartime Housewife is the perfect guide to navigating gracefully the rigours of modern life.

Combining the fascinating archive of the first Duchess of Northumberland with the expertise of Jane, the present duchess and the creator of the famous Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle, this gift book contains a collection of wonderful medicinal recipes passed down through generations. The reader will learn the secrets of the poisonous and curative properties of these plants and the more unusual varieties that have been cultivated and planted for centuries, and will discover how 'to make teethe whyte' and how 'to make heare growe'. Beautifully illustrated, The Duchess of Northumberland's Little Book of Poisons, Potions and Aphrodisiacs is the ideal gift for those with an interest in the wild plants of Britain, and for those with an interest in poisons and potions... The Duchess of Northumberland was responsible for the £35 million restoration of the 12 acres of walled garden at Alnwick Castle, which now includes the largest treehouse in the world and the famous Poison Garden. The Poison Garden remains one of the few places to have obtained permission from the Home Office to grow cannabis, opium poppies and catha edulis for display.

Elizabeth Ambler started compiling her household book of cures in the early eighteenth century, including historic treatments passed down over the decades. These intriguing remedies include Sir Walter Raleigh's Receipt against Plague, Viper Broth and Snail Milk Water, as well as Ginger Bread and Apricot Ratafia. In addition to traditional flowers and herbs, ingredients consist of precious stones, exotic and expensive spices, and large amounts of brandy and wine. Set against the backdrop of the family's country houses, silverware and lavish portraits, this book is much more than just a collection of curiosities: it offers a fascinating insight into the sickness and health of our Georgian ancestors, and into what really went on in their kitchens.

This unique and comprehensive recipe book revives the art of making jams, jellies, pickles and chutneys, and celebrates the joys of transforming a surfeit of anything - from apples to whortleberries - into jars full of sweetness. First published in 1970, Beryl Wood's classic Let's Preserve It is the ultimate preserving bible. In this small encyclopaedia, Wood distils the immense knowledge of earlier generations into a jarful of simple, foolproof recipes that will give endless delight both to make and to savour. With guidelines on equipment and preparation, useful hints on cooking and important tips to remember, this A-Z of recipes is an essential book for everyone from the experienced jam-maker to new cooks making preserves for the first time. Classic recipes such as mint jelly, lemon curd and Seville orange marmalade are all here, as well as more unusual combinations and ideas for preserving fruits, herbs and vegetables. 'I've long treasured my battered, second-hand copy of this book, and now that it has been proudly reissued, others will be able to benefit from it too' Nigella Lawson

'500 Jam & Preserves' is designed to uncover the secrets behind traditional and natural preserving techniques using sugar, vinegar, oil & alcohol.