Move over Jamie Oliver… fascinating 19thC recipe book that can ‘cure the bite of a mad dog’ under the hammer in Newbury

Here’s a book you really can’t do without…

A 19th century recipe book that includes 'A Receipt to cure the Bite of a Mad Dog' is going under the hammer next week (Tuesday, July 2) at Special Auction Services in Newbury for an estimated £300-£500.The fascinating manuscript book was compiled by three generations of a family from 1815 until around 1905 and has remained with the descendants until now.

The majority of recipes are good wholesome family meals, however there are some more interesting ones that are very much indicative of the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Highlights include a New Remedy for a Cancer (1815), Mrs Ricards’ Calf's Head Pie (January 1834); and one to “Strengthen and preserve the hair”.

The book also contains a recipe for a 4lb pudding made at Hungerford for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887.

The 180-page book comprises 88 pages of recipes at the front and the remainder is a Common Place Book where numerous ‘Enigmas” (riddles) and poetic quotes have been written down in flowing copper-plate script.

The book is being sold alongside portraits of two of the original compilers and a needlepoint sampler worked by Elizabeth Mary Jones (b 1815) who is thought to be the second owner and whose name appears on the frontispiece.

Antiques consultant at Special Auction Services Sandy Rich said: “Books such as this are always fascinating, but what makes this one even more interesting is the link with the people who compiled it.

“Seeing their portraits and handiwork, plus the continued family connection adds a more personal element which will be attractive to buyers.”