In order to supplement his £10 annual income he opened a school in Durham in July 1745 where he taught ‘young Ladies and Gentlewomen the Art of Pastry, Confectionary, Pickling, Preserving and any Thing that is required in Cookery.’
‘The Art of Cookery’ first appeared in the form of a monthly magazine in 1746 for 6d per issue. On January 7th 1758 it was published as a complete book with a second edition following in 1762.
The book contains 650 recipes, many of which were probably served at the cathedral at some point during his service. He also included various seasonal ‘Bills of Fare’ along with menus for specific events held at the cathedral.
We have adapted some of these recipes so you can have a go yourself, inspired by John Thacker’s recipes
