Wood Lane Hall, Porch to East Side

Slide 2 – The Deardens by their trade as clothiers became very wealthy. It was the custom in the 17th Century to bid very large numbers of friends and acquaintances to funerals. At the death of Michael, son of John Dearden, in 1672, 279 were bidden, but the total expenses only amounted to £15. 3s 4d. Yet the following was the bill of fare consumed on one of these occasions when 240 persons, more or less, were present. 10 Gallons of Claret Wine – 4 Gallons of Canary – 30 dozen of Bread at 2/6d per dozen – 24 dozen of Biscuits at 12 in the pound – 2 lbs of little biscuits – 4 Great cakes at 3s per cake – 2 Pasties – 20 lbs…..10/9d – 2 Pigs – 8lbs10oz…..£1/10/6d – A dish of Tarts – 120 – A loin and saddle of Mutton – 2 quarters of Lamb – 2 Crops of Beef – A leg of Veal – A leg of Mutton