What Was Breakfast Like in the Middle Ages?

The concept of breakfast during the Middle Ages in Britain was quite different from the modern era and contemporary breakfasts. People did not have stimulants or highly caloric dishes as commonly found today. The idea of breakfast was virtually non-existent for most of the period.

The Absence of Breakfast in Early Middle Ages

Medieval meals were structured differently compared to today. In the early part of the Middle Ages, most people, including nobility like William the Conqueror, ate their main meal at around 9 AM, which would have been called dinner. This was a common practice during the period when the idea of breakfast was not even considered necessary or desirable.

Transitioning to a Later Dinner Hour

Over the next 400 years, the dinner hour shifted to a later time. For instance, during the reign of Henry VII (1485–1509), the dinner was served at 11 AM. By the 15th century, some individuals, particularly children, the sick, the elderly, and early-rising laborers, began to feel the need for an early meal to fuel their day. It is during this period that the term ‘breakfast’ first appears in recorded history in 1463.

Upper Class Resistance to Breakfast

While the working classes adapted to the need for early meals, the upper classes were more resistant. They viewed breakfast as an unmanly weakness or a display of gluttony. Among the aristocracy, eating before the main meal of the day was considered a form of self-indulgence. It wasn’t until much later in the 15th century that breakfast became a more acceptable part of the daily routine.

The Church’s Perspective on Breakfast

The Church also had a view on breakfast, often considering it a form of gluttony. Unless absolutely necessary, such as for the ill or laborers needing immediate energy, eating upon arising was frowned upon. This perspective highlights the medieval moral and religious views of the time.

Breakfast for Farmers and the Working Class

On the other hand, a significant portion of the population, particularly farmers and laborers, did need to fuel up early in the day. Those who did eat breakfast tended to opt for simple, practical foods. Bread, cheese, porridge, and small amounts of beer or ale were common choices. These foods were primarily used for energy rather than for pleasure, reflecting the practical nature of their dietary needs.

The Gradual Acceptance of Breakfast

It took several centuries for breakfast to be widely accepted across all classes. By the later part of the 15th century, as the need for a morning meal became more evident, the term "breakfast" started to gain wider acceptance. Even so, the concept of a formal breakfast, as we know it today, did not fully take hold until the modern era.

Conclusion

Breakfast in the Middle Ages was a journey from being non-existent to gradually being accepted across different social classes. The shift in timing and the acceptance of morning meals reflect the changing social, economic, and cultural norms of the period.