The coffee plant is native to Ethiopia, but the first evidence of coffee beans being turned into a beverage comes from fifteenth-century Yemen. The fashion for this black, bitter drink spread across the Middle East and the Mediterranean, reaching Europe in the late sixteenth century. Although hand-operated spice mills had been in use since the 1400s, coffee beans continued to be ground using the more basic technology of mortar and pestle, or by millstones. Even as late as 1620, when the Pilgrim Fathers sailed for America on the Mayflower, all they brought with them for grinding coffee was an adapted mortar-and-pestle device.
In the 1660s a certain Nicholas Book, ‘living at the Sign of the Frying Pan in St Tulies Street’ in London, publicized himself as the only man known to make mills that could grind coffee to powder, but he was not necessarily the inventor of the machine he manufactured. The first US patent for a coffee grinder was issued in 1798 to Thomas Bruff of Maryland, who, when he was not grinding coffee, was Thomas Jefferson’s dentist.
From William Hartston; The Things that Nobody Knows: 501 Mysteries of Life, the Universe and Everything; Atlantic Books; 2011
Category Archives: history
Coming up in October
Here’s my selection of events, celebrations and customs that are happening during October.
Reminder: These listings contain an eclectic mix of interesting (to me) anniversaries, historical events, red letter days and upcoming “awareness events”, mostly UK-centric. My rules for the inclusion of awareness events are that they must not be medical, nor aimed specifically at children, nor must they be too obviously purely commercial; and they must have a useful website. (It is surprising how many get cast asunder by the lack of a useful website.)
Anyway here’s this month’s list …
4 October
French painter Jean-Francois Millet was born on this day in 1814.
Jean-Francois Millet; The Goose Girl
6 to 12 October
National Knitting Week. Celebrate by bringing knitters together, sharing techniques and learning something new. More information over at www.ukhandknitting.com/.
6 October
National Personal Safety Day is an annual event aimed at highlighting some of the simple, practical solutions that everyone can use to help avoid violence and aggression in today’s society. It’s about helping people live safer, more confident lives. Find out about this year’s campaign and getting involved at www.nationalpersonalsafetyday.co.uk/.
10 October
Tavistock Goose Fair has been held on the second Wednesday of October since 1823 (but with roots back to the 12th century) and it is one of only two historically established traditional goose fairs in the UK, the other being the larger Nottingham Goose Fair held in the first week of October.
Waltham Abbey Church, East End,
with the alleged burial place of King Harold in the centre foreground
11 October
King Harold Day. Waltham Abbey in Essex (very near my childhood home) celebrates each October the life and death of our last Saxon King — Harold — killed at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. Harold founded the abbey at Waltham and took “For the Holy Cross of Waltham” as his battle cry. He is allegedly buried under the old high alter of the abbey church (now outside the remaining church). More details of the day’s events can be found at www.kingharoldday.co.uk/.
13 to 19 October
This is a massive week for Britain’s food lovers with the concurrent celebration of Chocolate Week, National Baking Week and National Curry Week. Mmmmm … yes … curried chocolate cake! Well maybe not!
21 October
Apple Day. Sponsored by Common Ground, Apple Day is intended to be both a celebration and a demonstration of the variety we are in danger of losing, not simply in apples, but in the richness and diversity of landscape, ecology and culture. More information over at commonground.org.uk/projects/orchards/apple-day/.
31 October
All Hallows’ Eve (or Halloween) is a celebration on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead. Although it may have roots back into Celtic harvest festival celebrations, many of the present-day customs are recent innovations.
This day is also the Pagan feast of Samhain, a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year. It is celebrated from sunset on 31 October to sunset on 1 November, which is almost midway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. Along with Imbolc, Beltane and Lughnasadh it makes up the four Gaelic seasonal festivals.
Independent or Not?
On the back of Scotland’s decision not to become an independent country, it occurs to me to ask …
How many “countries” (states, provinces, or whatever you want to call them) have ever voted in a free and fair election NOT to take independence from their “imperial masters”?
The only other which comes to mind is Quebec in 1980 and 1995. Are there any others since (say) 1800? One hears of so few that it seems to me that if independent sovereignty is sought, it is almost always attained.
Weekly Photograph
Following on the family history theme from the other day, this week’s photograph is another from our trip to Kent last week: a view of an English country churchyard. Specifically this is the churchyard of St Mildred’s, Tenterden and shows the headstone to my ggg-grandfather, Samuel Austen — that’s the large browner stone in the middle; it’s the back, so you can’t see the inscription.
Samuel Austen in Context
Tenterden; September 2014
Ancestors and Mussels
Yesterday we had a day out hunting my ancestors — my father’s direct line — in Kent. And what a splendid day, despite not making any new discoveries.
We trotted off from home about 7am and arrived in Goudhurst about 9.30; just in time for coffee and apple cake.
Having been refreshed we pottered on to Benenden from where, if the connections I think are there are right, my family lives for several generations in the early 18th century and probably earlier. Benenden is such a gorgeous village with houses and the church round a large village green which doubles as the cricket ground — just as it should be.
Benenden Church
Then onward the few miles to Rolvenden, where I had higher hopes of finding evidence. What we found first of all was a small farmers’ market in the church. Yes, in the church. Excellent. This is how churches should be used; the more they are used the less they will be vandalised and the less they need to be locked. We were needless to say beguiled and stocked up from a lady selling mostly smoked meats etc., including some Oak Smoked Mussels. We also succumbed to some bread, tomatoes and a tub of fresh Lemon & Coriander Pesto.
Rolvenden Farmers’ Market
Following this and a look at the interior of the church we adjourned to The Bull for an excellent pub lunch and a pint. Staggering out we looked around the churchyard without luck, as almost every headstone was unreadable. But as we were leaving I did identify the house where my great-grandfather (Stephen Marshall, born 1849) was born and brought up.
Great-Grandfather’s birthplace in Rolvenden
Next we diverted to Smallhythe where I suspected a connection; and indeed we found a Marshall grave but of a later generation. Smallhythe is delightfully non-existent: about six houses, a vineyard, an early 16th century brick church and Ellen Terry the actress’s amazing Tudor house (now in the care of the National Trust) which was sadly not open. This is a far cry from the days of Henry VIII when he River Rother here was a wide estuary and the local industry was shipbuilding. All that ceased when the river changed course following the great storms of the late 16th century.
Samuel Austen (GGG-Grandfather) grave at Tenterden
Next on to Tenterden where we managed to find the grave of one Samuel Austen who is one of my ggg-grandfathers who died in 1838. Tenterden is full of Austens, and Jane Austen’s family originate here. Luckily the monuments in Tenterden churchyard have all been recorded as we would have been hard pressed to read the entirety of the headstone.
After a look in the church we were all running out of steam, so a quick drive on to Biddenden in the hope of easier parking and afternoon tea — both achieved. Following tea and cake we were disappointed to find the church locked; the only locked church of the six we tried during the day.
Leaving Biddenden we drove through Sissinghurst and retraced our steps to Goudhurst for a look at the church there and another pint. At this point there was a sudden realisation it was 6pm and we had a 2+ hour drive home round the M25.
OK, I was disappointed not to find obvious evidence to connect my ggg-grandfather Marshall further back, but that was really quite a long shot. It was also disappointing to find a locked church and nowhere selling Kentish apples or plums. But overall an excellent, and very tiring, day.
So now, today, we have a problem. What to do with those Oak Smoked Mussels and the pesto? Thoughtfully I procured a small pack of large prawns at the supermarket this morning (do not ask how we achieved the supermarket before 10.30 this morning!). So this evening I did one of my quick pasta dishes. 150g each of mussels and prawns makes a good feast for two, thus:
1. Cook some pasta; when cooked drain it and keep it warm.
2. Sweat some finely chopped onion and garlic in a little oil until translucent.
3. Add the mussels and prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the pesto, stir together and cook for another minute or two.
5. Then add the pasta, stir to mix and coat the pasta and cook for a couple of minutes to ensure everything is hot through.
6. Serve and enjoy with a bottle of white wine.
And boy, was it good! The smoked mussels were to die for. As Noreen observed “I’ve eaten much worse in restaurants”.
Cheers, to the ancestors! We’ve come a long way since their days as farm labourers before 1850.
Coming up in September
Some of the events and traditions coming up during September. Everyone’s back from holiday (and in days of yore the harvest is almost done) so there is more happening this month.
1 September
On this day in 1914 the Passenger Pigeon become extinct when Martha, thought to be the world’s last passenger pigeon, died at Cincinnati Zoo.
3 September
Outbreak of World War II in 1939 when the UK declared war on Germany.
6 to 21 September
Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight. Discover and celebrate Scotland’s culinary heritage. No, not just whiskey and haggis, but a great deal more besides. There’s lots of information at www.scottishfoodanddrinkfortnight.co.uk.
9 September
This day in 1839 Sir John Herschel (son of astronomer William Herschel, discoverer of Uranus) made the first photograph on a glass plate. He made many other contributions to photography, astronomy and botany.
11 to 14 September
Heritage Open Days. Four days to explore more of England’s beautiful architecture when over 4000 buildings that are usually closed or charge for admission will open their doors free. Find more information at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
15 to 21 September
National Cupcake Week. Many of my friends seem to be cakeophiles, so they’re going to love National Cup Cake Week — a chance to show off your baking skills and eat cake. What’s not to like? More over at www.nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk.
19 to 22 September
Great British Beach Clean. Organised by the Marine Conservation Society this is an opportunity to look after your local beach by helping clean it up. Find an event near you at www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/events.
21 September
Autumnal Equinox. One of two days a year when we get exactly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night, the Autumn Equinox marks the passage from summer to the dark days of winter.
22 September to 23 October
Seed Gathering Season. Through this autumn festival The Tree Council aims to inspire everyone, particularly school children and families, to gather seeds, fruits and nuts and grow the trees of the future. More information and events over at www.treecouncil.org.uk/Take-Part/seed-gathering-season.
29 September
Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. Falling as it does near the equinox, it is associated in the northern hemisphere with the beginning of autumn and the shortening of days. In medieval England Michaelmas marked the ending and beginning of the husbandman’s year and was one of the English quarter days. The traditional food on this day was goose, nicely fattened on the grain it had gleaned amongst the fields of stubble.
Coming up in August
Interesting events an anniversaries in the month ahead. But yet again there isn’t a lot going on this month, probably because it is holiday season. Anyway, here’s what we have …
1 August
Lammas Day which is the festival of the wheat harvest, and is the first harvest festival of the year. On this day it was customary to bring to church a loaf made from the new crop, which began to be harvested at Lammastide. It coincides with the Christian feats day of St Peter ad Vincula (St Peter in Chains). Lughnasadh (Lammas) is also one of the eight sabbats observed by Pagans and is the first of their three autumn harvest festivals, the other two being the autumn equinox (Mabon) and Samhain.
1 August
This day also marks the Accession of George I in 1714 following the death of Queen Anne. He reigned until his death in 1727 and was also Elector of Hanover from 1698 to 1727. It was during George’s reign that the powers of the monarchy diminished and Britain began its transition to the modern system of cabinet government led by a prime minister.
3 August
Friendship Day. Celebrated on the first Sunday in August, Friendship Day is a worldwide opportunity to celebrate the joys of friendship. Find out more at www.friendshipday.org.
4 to 10 August
National Allotments Week. Once again the National Allotment Society is encouraging allotment sites across England and Wales to open their gates to celebrate the enduring nature of the allotment movement and hold a party for their plot-holders and the wider community. More details at www.nsalg.org.uk/news-events-campaigns/national-allotments-week/.
13 August
Birth in 1814 of the Swedish Anders Jonas Ångström who is generally accepted to be the father of spectroscopy — study of the interaction between matter and radiated energy (light, radio waves, x-rays etc.) — on which so much of modern science and medicine is dependent.
20 August
In 1864 JAR Newlands (1837–98) produced what many consider to be the first periodic table. Although Dmitri Mendeleev is given all the credit for the periodic table, Newlands got a large part of the way to Mendeleev’s solution some five years earlier. However the Chemistry Society in Britain ridiculed Newlands’ ideas and declined to publish his papers, thus possibly denying him a prior claim.
28 August
The 1914 Battle of Heligoland bight between Britain and Germany in the SE North Sea. The battle was won by the British and restricted the movements of the German Navy.
Oddity of the Week: Kray Twins
Last week’s “oddity” mentioned the Krays, London’s notorious gangster twins. And Ronnie and Reggie hold an interesting unique achievement … They are the only people to have been both imprisoned in the Tower of London and to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall.
In 1951, the pair fought in a boxing tournament at the Royal Albert Hall. The following year they were locked up overnight at the Tower for being absent without leave during their compulsory National Service.
Gleaned from The Londonist at http://londonist.com/2014/07/five-more-odd-facts-about-london.php
Oddity of the Week: Chiswick Flyover
Chiswick Flyover in west London was apparently opened in September 1959 by Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield (picture below). No, I don’t know why either, but you can find more details at www.stmgrts.org.uk/archives/2009/09/jayne_mansfield_and_the_chiswick_flyover.html
Perhaps more worryingly the nearby Hammersmith flyover (currently the subject of on-going strengthening work after the discovery of concrete rot) has its own, much darker, celebrity connection. Underworld legend has it that the body of Ginger Marks, slain by the Kray gang, is buried in the foundations.
Gleaned from The Londonist at http://londonist.com/2014/07/five-more-odd-facts-about-london.php
Lines on Maps
Yesterday I came across this map on Twitter …
It shows Africa with its national boundaries (black lines) as they were in 1959 and (shaded) the continent’s division into ethnic/linguistic areas — ie. basically tribal areas.
Note just how many of the national boundaries are (a) straight lines and/or (b) cut straight across tribal areas. Every country contains multiple tribal/ethnic/linguistic areas.
Yet, we expect these peoples to be able to get on with each other as nations and embrace our democratic traditions. And we’re surprised when they can’t!
Is it any wonder they can’t get on, there is continual civil war and countries wanting to break themselves asunder. It is basically all the result of us, white man, drawing “arbitrary” lines on maps.