Set of Trenchers
1550-1600 / John Wesley / Other / Wood / Woodwork
Wood, painted
ca. 1550-1600
This set of 16th century roundels or trenchers (from Old French, 'tranchier' - to cut) in the original box was a wedding present. In 1788, the roundels were given by John Wesley to Adam Clarke, the British Methodist theologian and biblical scholar, on the occasion of Clarke's wedding.
Trenchers were used during Elizabethan times as a kind of plate or place-mat during meals, usually to serve sticky desserts such as cheeses, fruit, or sweets. This set is decorated richly, including entertaining verses relating to marriage. It is possible they were meant for after-dinner entertainment, the verses to be recited or sung by the eaters.
The trenchers are still in as-new condition; likely, they were never used.
ca. 1550-1600
This set of 16th century roundels or trenchers (from Old French, 'tranchier' - to cut) in the original box was a wedding present. In 1788, the roundels were given by John Wesley to Adam Clarke, the British Methodist theologian and biblical scholar, on the occasion of Clarke's wedding.
Trenchers were used during Elizabethan times as a kind of plate or place-mat during meals, usually to serve sticky desserts such as cheeses, fruit, or sweets. This set is decorated richly, including entertaining verses relating to marriage. It is possible they were meant for after-dinner entertainment, the verses to be recited or sung by the eaters.
The trenchers are still in as-new condition; likely, they were never used.
