Good afternoon Listers, I am still working on the Walpole family and finding many branches with the help of some very helpful Listers. In the meantime I thought I should pass this very interesting article on to the List. In Sept 2002 appearing in a glossy recipe Magazine in Australia called "Delicious" there is an interview with Jamie Oliver the "Naked Chef". He was speaking about helping to launch a "Good Food Show" in Melbourne, Down Under. His friend who runs the show purchased an old book for sale at the show, as a thank your for Jamie's help. Here then is the story Jamie tells:- The book was a handwritten receipt collection from a NORFOLK family, dating back to 1730. Jamie had no idea how this book wound up in Australia. When he first saw the book, he couldn't help thinking, that is could be a forgery. However, he soon realised that it was the real thing: smelling of old moth balls, the brown suede jacket all torn, as shiny as plastic in the spots where cooking fat and liquids had been spilt on it, while the cooks were at work. It was all beautifully handwritten in black ink on yellowing parchment paper. (In the magazine there is a photograph of Jamie holding the book, and it could be mistaken for a bible. The suede is dark tan colour). There is a name on the front and a signature written on the inside cover - John CROSSE, and there is a kind of crest with a stage and the name GORDON underneath. Jamie was hoping that was anyone out there, who knew of the family or how the book ended up in Australia. To continue, he says by the notes in the margins it looks like an upstairs-downstairs scenario. Many of the recipes are from a Mrs BRIDGES. There is one from Lady this others from Lady that, one from Mrs ROSE, Mother CROSSE'S maid and a Mrs. TURNER as lived with LADY CARTORETT. He is blown away by the use of herbs and spices, both for cooking and in herbal remedies. So if anyone out there recognise this family. I am sure Jamie still has this wonderful find and would love to hear the history of the CROSSE family, who once owned this collectable and ancient book of hand written recipes and cures. Cheers Janice Belrose - Sydney