Turnspit Collection

Dog Turnspit in Kitchen
Turnspit with dog-wheel in front of the kitchen fire

Roasting of the baron of beef for the Christmastide Festival, held over a weekend in the first week in December each year. Date: 1900

Fireplace in the kitchen in Windsor Castle. Date: 1894

Christmas at Windsor Castle, roasting beef 1856
Roasting the Royal baron of beef for the Christmas banquet, overseen by the careful superintendence of the roasting cooks, who coax the baron, with sufficient basting

Roasting the baron of beef, Windsor Castle 1887
Roasting the baron of beef, Windsor Castle. The baron of beef was an annual institution at Windsor and was cut from the first prize fat bullock at the Shaw Farm Sale

A turnspit at work (engraving)
3629787 A turnspit at work (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A turnspit at work. Illustration from The Book of Days (W R Chambers, c 1870)

Turnspit Dog Type
A turnspit dog depicted when not turning a spit : but this engraving shows the type of dog that was employed for this purpose

Turnspit Dog
The Turnspit A dog dressed as a chef proudly holds up the dish he has prepared. Date: 19th century

Turnspit dog at work. These short-legged dogs were bred especially to work in wheels turning cooking spits. By 1800 the breed had almost disappeared. Wood engraving c1880

Turnspit dog at work in the inn at Newcastle, Carmarthen, Wales, c1800. These short-legged dogs were bred especially to work in wheels turning cooking spits. By 1800 the breed had almost disappeared

DOGS: TURNSPITS. Four tunspit dogs. Line engraving, 19th century

Rosting on Spits
A turnspit turns a spit on which joints of meat and gamebirds are roasting

Sewing Machine Dog Power
M Richard, a clothing manufacturer of Paris, uses a large number of these dog- powered motors to run his sewing machines (note the water bowl kindly provided)

Dog Works a Turnspit
A dog works a kitchen turnspit above a fire

Knife Grinders Dog
A dog helps a French knife- grinder by turning his wheel like a treadmill

Bewick - Turnspit
Bewick classifies this as a specific breed, destined to help in the kitchen throughout its working life. Modern culinary technology has fortunately made it redundant

Simnel / Turnspit 1487
Lambert SIMNEL, who aspired to the English throne, reduced to the position of turnspit in the kitchen of Henry VII

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In the bustling kitchen of Windsor Castle, a tradition was upheld during the Christmastide Festival in 1900. The baron of beef, fit for royalty, was carefully roasted over an open fire in the grand fireplace. This annual event brought warmth and joy to all who attended. The aroma of succulent meat filled the air as guests eagerly awaited their feast. It was a spectacle that had been cherished for decades, dating back to 1856 when Christmas at Windsor Castle first saw this magnificent roast. A turnspit diligently worked by turning a wheel attached to the spit, ensuring even cooking and perfect browning. This engraving captured their tireless efforts as they tirelessly rotated the meat above crackling flames. Amongst these dedicated workers were turnspit dogs - short-legged breeds specially bred for this purpose. Their loyalty and strength were unmatched as they tirelessly ran within wheels, assisting in roasting processes like those seen in Newcastle Inn at Carmarthen, Wales around 1800. Cecil Aldin's illustrations from "Merry and Bright" beautifully depicted these hardworking canines with wagging tails and determined expressions on their faces. These loyal companions played an integral role in culinary history. As time passed, advancements replaced traditional methods with modern technology; however, memories of turnspits remained etched into history books. Line engravings from the 19th century showcased four tunspit dogs working together harmoniously - a testament to their importance throughout generations. Though no longer needed today due to technological progressions in cooking techniques, we must remember these unsung heroes who once served alongside chefs at prestigious events like roasting feasts fit for kings at Windsor Castle during Christmas celebrations long ago.