Master John Smythesonne,
Her Majesty's Master Cook

as portrayed by William Woods

My Dear Lords and Ladies, I present on to you on this fair day my most humble and worthy self for I am the Queen’s Master Cook, John Smythesonne.

Indeed my life is a simple one, my father having been a cook and his father being one as well. They worked hard for other nobles to know how those in higher positions are to be tended when it comes to meals and with their tutelage I was able to work my way to a position I would never have imagined, to cook for her Grace herself. Truly an honor it is to do so and yet there is some turmoil I face.

In the Royal kitchens, my arch rival, John Dudley, Sergeant of the Pastry, continues to try and belittle my work so that he can gain favor with the Queen. I mean, for him to feel that a simple quince pie is a more suitable gift for the Queen on New Years is more impressive that a decorative chessboard made of marzipan, or even a stained glass windowing made of marzipan, or, I must apologize for this shock, but marzipan treats in a chest made of marzipan. I think we know who has the artistic and cooking skills The Queen so desires.

 

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