The Great British Bake Off is back?

Later tonight, the third episode of the new series of 'The Great British Bake Off' will be screened.

Readers and followers of this blog will recall a mention of this programme, and particularly one of its main attractions - our former student, Mary Berry.

Mary attended Bath College of Domestic Science, and it happens that we've been cataloguing some of the college's early papers here over the past few weeks.

The college began in Bath in 1892, and its first head was Miss Lawrie. The handwritten copy of her own recipe book (Receipt Book) makes fascinating reading, although the assorted 19th century handwriting can be a challenge. Two further copies were made of her book, as presentation volumes, on her retirement in 1907. These are less tricky to read, although the inks are fading.

The recipes cover all meals, occasions, budgets and requirements. How about these two:

'For Bronchitis

1 desertsp. of Glycerine

1 desertsp. of Brandy

well mixed together, take every four hours'

'Suet Plaister

Melt some fresh suet at the fire, spread it on a piece of strong brown paper, and put it on the chest. This is good in cases of bronchitis, or any cold on the chest.'

Miss Lawrie's book of Receipts (later altered to 'Recipes')

A recipe for Cold Cabinet Pudding

Anyone heard of 'Eloise Pudding'?

One of the recipes, typed out in 1907. 'Sudden Death' for dinner?