The Coronation Banquets of the Three Kings

Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 2.00 pm at the Lowther Pavilion. Guests may attend the lecture – £10 pp (pay on door)

Please note: Our AGM will start at 1.00 pm

Lecturer: Peter Ross

Peter Ross has a BA in the History of Art, an MA in London History, and a PhD in the cultural history of the early 18th century criminal, Jack Sheppard. Until 2023, he was the Principal Librarian at the City of London’s Guildhall Library. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. Peter has appeared on television and radio as a consultant on crime in 18th century London, the history of English food, and Shakespeare’s First Folio. Peter’s The Curious Cookbook, Viper Soup, Badger Ham, Stewed Sparrows, and a Hundred more Historic Recipes was published in 2012 by the British Library and subsequently published in the US, China and Taiwan. Peter has also recently written a book – Insatiable Appetites: Eating Out in Georgian London, published by Bodleian Library  in May 2026.

The Lecture:

The Coronation banquets of Richard III (1483), James II (1685) and George IV (1821) show the changing styles of Royal food over nearly 350 years. These expensive and extravagant meals were recorded and illustrated in remarkable documents that list the individual dishes served and the extraordinary preparations that went into providing each remarkable event. Discover why Richard III and his guests all went to bed before the last course was served and why George IV’s was the last official Coronation banquet to be held.

Caption: The Coronation Banquet of George IV in Westminster Hall. digital image © London Museum. Creative Commons