The Castle Kitchen

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Position and Construction:

The medieval kitchen was where all the dishes for the castle's meals were prepared. It was usually set away from the great hall, where most of the meals were served. This was to prevent a fire in the kitchen from spreading to the great hall. Fires happened often because all food was cooked over a fire or in an oven. However, because the kitchen was built away from the great hall, food often got cold on the trip from the kitchen to the great hall. Thus, an enclosed passageway of wood or stone would be constructed between the two. This would help to keep out the wind and keep the food warm on the trip. The kitchen itself could be constructed of wood or stone.

Appliances and Cooking Utensils:

A medieval kitchen had many different objects and appliances to help with cooking and preparation of food. The most important were the stoves and fireplaces. Animals were often cooked over the fire in the fireplace on spits. Spits were long poles of wood on which an animal could be secured. The spit would then be turned over the fire to make sure the animal was cooked evenly. Soups and stews were also cooked in a fireplace. They were cooked in large iron, bronze, copper, or clay pots placed directly on the fire. A fireplace could also be used to smoke meat, a primitive form of preserving it. An oven might be used to make bread or cook other dishes like pastries or pies. A large sink was also built in the kitchen. Knives were used to carve and prepare the meat. There were many different types of knives used for different purposes. Also in the kitchen, there was a place to store wine and ale.


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