Eat Like a King

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The meals of King Henry VIII of England were among the most fantastic ever created. Henry consumed meals of dolphin, songbird and enjoyed intricate puddings molded from sugar. Based on astrology as much as taste Tudor food included elaborate jellies made from deer antler even alcoholic spirits flavored with pure gold. From their great palaces the Tudor monarchs were served extravagant meals that combined the outrageous with the every day, helping to shape the way we eat and taste to the present day. As we journey back in time to the 16th century we will discover the secrets of royal cuisine and reveal a meal fit for a king.

[@kaindrg]

History channel when it had history in it

[@ThePenngates]

They did not know about bacteria in the Tudor period, not until about 1660, but the link between bacteria and disease wasn't discovered until the 1870s, therefore they didn't know that boiling water would have helped tremendously. However, in places such as London, the Thames was the dumping place for sewage, dead animal parts and the like. It was dangerously polluted, but they didn't know/realize the dangers from this. In 1957 the Thames was declared biologically dead. Nothing lived there. Fifty years later after huge efforts to clean the river, life now teems in the river. Re Henry, in his later years, I suspect he had diabetes which would explain the problem of his never-healing leg. This made him live a relatively inactive life, yet continuing to eat excessively, gaining more weight, thus his condition worsened over time.

[@weldonwin]

Next birthday party in my family, I might actually try to make a couple of deceptions like the ones described here. I honestly find Tudor food facinating and really wish modern resteraunts served something like it

[@crinoid1919]

as a Chef Im astounded and delighted by this:D

[@2HRTS1LOVE]

If it hadn't been for the sugar, Henry probably wouldn't have become morbidly obese. Even with large portions, the rest of his diet was fairly healthy, and he was active enough to handle big quantities. The sugar is just so calorie dense, a large portion is a ticket to Fatville. Most of us love our sweets, though, and he would have had no way of knowing that it was the sugar that was causing his weight problems, and would have had no motivation to give it up, it truly has some very addictive properties. He likely would have lived much longer, perhaps out living Edward and Mary, aka Bloody Mary, and therefore passing the throne directly to Elizabeth, saving the lives of all those killed by Mary in her quest to eradicate Protestantism. He died in his 50s, so an extra decade or so would be all that was needed, well within the realm of possibility.
It's always interesting to me to think about how some small, seemingly unrelated incident or circumstance could have drastically altered the course of history or chain of events. Butterfly effects, I suppose, is what I mean. Makes you wonder about all the small decisions you make in life and what lasting impact they have on you and those around you.

[@SusanJMT]

Love the presentations -- they show the value of food to which we have become inured.

[@kaindrg]

the custard tart reminds me of Portugese pasties de nata. i wonder if there was a relation. i remeber anglo portuguese relations was very strong at the time.

[@smoothsim]

absolutely fascinating! u brits sure can put on a good show...thanks!

[@kkallebb]

Actually sweet-and-sour sauces in Western Europe pre-date the Tudors by several centuries.

[@NSResponder]

I thought I recognized Mr. Fry's voice.
-jcr

[@markgable101]

I tasted venison once from sainsburies really expensive. Absolutely succulent. I was told it was what kings ate.

[@maarukka58]

I am hungry now. xD I must find and get a recipe for those made of honor cakes and the cheese pie. Maybe even spice some wine..

[@ebennett8164]

Thing is he actually did have a son, Edward! So he did sire an heir! Also they forgot Mary it wasn't Elizabeth who inherited straight away! She was, arguably, the most significant of his three legitimate children and had the longest reign but still the other two existed and this show just pretends they did

[@gazebo46]

Did Henry VIII ever get bad teeth from eating so much sugar??? I love this documentary! I feel like I've learned alot and I am enjoying looking at all these delicious looking foods! Thank you so much for posting this up!

[@oooo5024]

Tasty roast and pies! mmm After Henry's death, his successors, in order, were: Edward VI; Lady Jane Grey; Mary I; Elizabeth I. I'm surprised the H Channel overlooked these facts.

[@calinahodges]

Did anyone else notice the hair on the food?

[@10L20L20H]

I know it got me hungry and I may regret it later but STILL HUNGRY!

[@geniebarnes6280]

its not true the only reason he married so many times is he loved the cake lol

[@thebaby2436]

Drinking all that ale, there must've been a few cases of urinary tract infections?

[@SealDude]

ugh, I know right. And it isn't meal time until 2 hours from now :C

[@ReallyRedPanda]

'A time of refinement'
I won't argue that it wasn't, I'm just gonna point out that they didn't bathe....like ever. Twice a year AT MOST.

[@princessbluas]

That food is disgusting, but this is a great documentary. Thank you for putting this up.

[@marinachristiansen5932]

princessbluas disgusting?

[@paigecat9104]

morrisseyowesmemoney ewwwww I'd have to be starving on a deserted island for months before I'd eat something like that

[@madisonelectronic]

I do not think Henry ate mooseturd pie, but one can always hope.

[@notahater34]

Huge booger in his nose!!!! 27:52....