Hannah Woolley

Hannah Woolley (1622 – c.1675), also spelled Wolley, was an English writer who published early books on household management, and is often considered one of the first cookbook authors. Her works also covered various other topics such as medicine, child care, embroidery, and the etiquette of the time.

Early Life

Woolley was born in 1622. Little is known about her early life, but it is believed that she learned her skills in household management from her mother, who was also a successful housekeeper.

Career

Woolley's career began when she started working as a governess for a noble family. During this time, she gained a wealth of knowledge about household management, which she later used in her writings. Her first book, The Ladies Directory (1661), was a guide for women on how to manage their households. It was followed by The Cooks Guide (1664), which is considered one of the first cookbooks.

Woolley's books were popular because they were practical and easy to understand. They included recipes, advice on child care, and tips on household management. Woolley's works were also unique because they were written by a woman for women, which was unusual for the time.

Legacy

Woolley's influence on household management and cookery has been significant. Her books were reprinted many times and used as references for centuries. She is often credited with being one of the first authors to make household management and cookery accessible to the average woman.

See Also

• History of cookbooks
• Women in the 17th century

References

• The Gentlewoman's Companion (1673)
• The Queen-Like Closet (1670)