The residence of John McArthur Esq [Elizabeth Farm] (detail), Jospeh Lycett, 1825. Elizabeth Farm Collection, Historic Houses Trust
Art, archaeology and a cook’s curiosity all add up to the conclusion that the Macarthurs were smoking more than just tobacco at Elizabeth Farm. Continue reading
Eel dish at Rouse Hill House & Farm. Photo Jacqui Newling © HHT
In addition to their farmed produce, the Macarthurs had access to a variety of local delicacies. They employed a huntsman who, according to Elizabeth, furnished their table with wild ducks and kangaroos to the tune of 300lbs (135kg) per week! Continue reading
Mutton illustrated in Eliza Acton, Modern cookery for private families, Southover Press, Lewes, 1993 (1st ed.1845), p207. Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Historic Houses Trust
Nasturtium flowers at Vaucluse House. Photo Scott Hill © HHT
(It’s a dreadful pun… sorry about that!) If you’re a dab hand at mint sauce, how about trying another colonial favourite with your roast mutton / hogget / lamb – caper sauce? Continue reading
Merino sheep at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute. Photo Scott Hill © HHT
If there’s one thing people think of when they hear the name ‘Macarthur’, it’s sheep! Continue reading
Shells in mortar at Hyde Park Barracks. Photo © HHT
In December we talked about the use of shells in producing lime for mortar and stucco for the early colony’s infant building trade. Our colleague Mikhaila Dunn mentioned the use of such mortar at the Hyde Park Barracks; so we’ve taken two close up images of it at the Barracks’ north guardhouse.
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Advertisement for Senior's curry powder in Hannah Maclurcan, Mrs Maclurcan’s cookery cook, George Robertson & Co, Melbourne, c1905. Rouse Hill House & Farm Collection
This advertisement was published in Mrs Maclurcan’s Cookery Book c1905. The book contains several curry recipes, including Mulligatawny soup and curiously but possibly delicious, Curried Green Bananas. Continue reading
Mulligatawny. Photo Jacqui Newling © HHT
Purchasing receipts from 1822 tell us that curry powder was one of the many imported goods that the Macarthurs bought from Sydney grocers. By that time, curries were commonplace on finer tables. Continue reading
The Elizabeth Farm dining table set for breakfast (detail). Photo © Paolo Busato
While we don’t routinely set the table at Elizabeth Farm, when we do we draw on a wide range of primary sources that describe the Macarthurs’ daily lives as well as wider, but still closely related, colonial themes. Continue reading
[Anna Maria Macarthur (nee King)] (detail), William Nicholas, 1843. Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW: P2 / 469
A long letter by the anonymous ‘Mrs E’ to Anna Maria Macarthur gives us a marvellous insight into the social life expected of a high-class family. Continue reading