Leaving One’s Manners Behind

“In the sixteenth century one was expected to leave one's 'manners' behind when at the table. It was the correct thing to do, 'manners' being what was left on the plate, which was, in turn, what fed the poor man at the gate.” – From “At the Kings Table; Royal Dining through the Ages,” by Susanne Groom… A fun and fascinating book on dining with the royals and not so royal!

In the sixteenth century one was expected to leave one's 'manners' behind when at the table. It was the correct thing to do, 'manners' being what was left on the plate, which was, in turn, what fed the poor man at the gate. As for behaviour at table, the advice given in the Babees' Book (1475) to young boys about to enter the service of a noble lord or prince still held good. It was relevant both to children and to those adults who had yet to learn the rules of polite eating, and remains remarkably similar to the advice given to children today:

• Wash your hands before you eat,
• Don't let the children linger at the table,
• Don't fart,
• Don't pick your nose, your teeth or any part of your body when at table,
• Don't wipe your hands on the tablecloth or your clothes. — From “At the Kings Table; Royal Dining through the Ages,” by Susanne Groom

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia