RECIPES written by an 18th century house keep, who was considered to be the Delia Smith of her time, are to be recreated at the country home where she learnt her trade.

Visitors to Arley Hall will be able to sample the dishes of Elizabeth Raffald at the Tudor Barn Restaurant this summer.

The decision was made after Raffald joined a shortlist of 20 women who could be immortalised as a statue in Manchester city centre.

Raffald published The Experienced English Housekeeper, which was one of the first cookbooks and a big hit when it was released in the 1700s.

Steve Hamilton, general manager at Arley, said: "Elizabeth Raffald is a huge character in Arley’s history and it is only right that we mark her contribution to the estate’s past.

"There are a few recipes that we will steer clear of – such as those for turtle and calf’s foot pudding – but there are definitely some traditional meals that visitors are going to love."

Raffald was the housekeeper at Arley Hall for several years in the 1760s where she served Lady Elizabeth Warburton.

Her book contains 800 original recipes and is split into three parts – the first being dedicated to browning, soups, fish, plain meat, game, pies and puddings.

The second covers confectionary and includes ‘directions to set out a table in the most elegant manner and in the modern taste.’

She goes on to explain the finer details of pickling, potting and distilling in the final section.

After marrying Arley’s head gardener, Raffald moved to Manchester where, over the next 18 years, she reportedly ran two pubs, two coffee shops, an indoor and outdoor catering business and an agency supplying domestic staff.

The Tudor Barn Restaurant will now be dedicated to her memory with recipes on the menu and history boards detailing her links to the estate.