The Warmest Room in the House

This is one of two original kitchens in the house; the other was directly below in the cellar level.   The kitchen was left unrestored so that we can see evidence of its original function.

The major feature of a kitchen was the fireplace. It held skillets on trivets, pots hanging from chains or hooks, and other equipment as needed.  Cranes or jacks regulated the height of the pot from the fire. Cooks needed to be experts at building fires skillfully to reach and retain the needed temperature. Evidence of earlier features reveal a bake oven to the left, the firebox and flue. A back door led to the back yard, with a privy and well.  Every drop of water needed to run the house was carried in, and every drop of waste carried out.