Dining -- Warwick style

Ever the foodie, I of course loved studying the dining style in Warwick Castle. Social history and the everyday details of life in other time periods fascinate me.

Because feasting was such an important event, artisans captured the images in stained glass. This tiny window was tucked into a peak of the chapel's anteroom, but I was struck by its level of fine detail. Notice the high spirits of the guests and the lavishness of the feast on the table, from the wild game to the abundance of fruits and wine. In one of the castle's interior rooms, a depiction of King Henry VIII with his wives is arranged around another indulgent feast.

In the grand dining room, the table was set with crystal and exquisite china. The classic table setting for formal occasions was as appropriate in centuries past as it is now - elegance defined. And it seems that every era craves sweets.