This 18th Century Gadget Revolutionized Cooking – Find Out How!

Source: Reddit

The object you’ve found is a spit rack, a staple in 18th-century kitchens, particularly in grand homes and estates. Located above the kitchen range, this rack was used to store various spits when they were not in use. A spit is a long metal rod that was used for roasting meat, typically in front of an open fire. The meat would be skewered on the spit and rotated manually or with the help of a mechanism, ensuring even cooking.

source: reddit

In large kitchens, particularly in stately homes like the one in Canterbury, having multiple spits was essential for preparing large meals, especially for banquets. The rack allowed the kitchen staff to organize and store the spits efficiently, ensuring they were within easy reach when needed. Each slot in the rack would hold a different spit, keeping them secure and out of the way when not in use.