This may be the master's house, but in the kitchen, I'm in charge. I've been Master Cooper's cook for a few years, but I don't come from Ledbury. I come from further west, round about Madley, just the other side of Hereford. I lived there with my wife and my two sons, Richard and Thomas. A few years ago, my wife died.

And as the boys were already grown up, I thought I'd come here for a fresh start. There were also 1 or 2 debts.

You're not from Madney, are you? I cook Master Cooper's meals, but I've taught one or two of the brothers and sisters to cook for the rest of the brethren.

I keep my eye on them to make sure they get it right. My kitchen's always busy, but the busiest time is Michael, when those high and mighty visitors from the cathedral arrive.

Oh, it's always a pleasure entertaining the dean and chapter.

Nothing is too much trouble for them. The master plans a special banquet, and it takes a lot of planning to get it right.

I hardly get any sleep that week. Well, best take the pies out. Can't stay for long.

It's too much to do. Master Cooper's been very kind to me.

I trust him and my sons trust him. I've asked him to oversee my will. I know that if anything happens to me, I can count on him to do right by my boys.

I can smell burning well.

Excuse me, pigeon pies tonight.