AN HISTORIC Lakeland farmhouse is looking for a volunteer who can combine a love of cooking while laced into a 16th century bodice.

Every Thursday afternoon at Townend, Troutbeck, there are live cookery demonstrations in the farmhouse kitchen based on a collection of recipes gathered by Elizabeth Browne in 1699.

The new recruit will help to bring those recipes to life in the same kitchen as Elizabeth cooked in. The collection of recipes includes meaty mince pies, a sweet spinach tart and a yeast raised fruit cake.

Emma Wright, the manager of Townend said: “We’re looking for a really special person. It needs to be someone who loves getting dressed up in authentic period costume and is confident making a hand raised pie in front of an audience.

“The costume for our interpreters is that of an affluent farmer’s wife from the early 18th century and includes several thick wool skirts plus a laced bodice. I love wearing the costume myself as it really helps you to get into the part. Kneading yeast dough for ten minutes whilst wearing a tightly laced bodice has given me a new level of respect for our ancestors.”

To find out more email to townend@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 015394 32628.