Linlithgow Palace - High Table

Description: Mary Queen of Scots and her most important guests would have sat at this High Table during feasts and banquets. They were raised up on a low platform called a 'dais'. The dais would have been covered with an expensive carpet. They had the warmest position in front of the great fireplace. Above Mary was a Cloth of Estate and the royal arms of Scotland emblazoned with the lion rampant. Which is why the other name for the Great Hall was the 'lyon chamber'.

Once the diners were sitting, the table would be laid with a long linen cloth. The cloth would be stretched between two rods to remove wrinkles. Then a trencher, a napkin, a clean spoon and maybe a cup or glass were set out for each person. The trencher was a sort of square plate. It might be made of metal, wood or simply a small loaf of bread squared off and cut in half. Knives might be supplied to diners at the high table but others were expected to bring their own. An expensive salt cellar would be placed to the right of the queen.

The whole table setting would then be covered with another cloth called a 'surnape'. Guests would wash their hands in a bowl of scented water brought round by servants. The surnape was then removed and bread was cut for the queen.

Dishes would then start to arrive. Some might be carved in front of the queen. Guests were not expected or allowed to serve themselves. Keeping the table clean and tidy was very important. Fragments of food would be taken from the trenchers with a long trencher knife by the panter and the butler. Once dishes and sauces were finished they were quickly removed. At the end of the main courses all tables were cleared, starting at the lower end of the hall.

Fruit and cheese were usually served with hippocras (spiced wine). Clean trenchers and knives were provided. Meal over, everything was tidied away. The salt was the last thing to be removed. The table would once again be covered with a surnape. Servants would bring a bowl for the queen and guests to wash their hands.

Use this link to teleport to the Outer Hall to see another place where meals were eaten.