Skeps, Skeppers, and Honey
Tidbits About Victorian Beekeeping
You know that cute little upside-down wicker basket that looks like a cone and is frequently seen in a Winnie the Pooh book? Yeah. That’s called a bee skep, which is a traditional beehive made of woven straw or wicker. It’s more than just a charming relic from the past; the bee skep has a deep-rooted history in the art of beekeeping.
The Art of Skep Making
The maker of those lovely little hive keepers is known as a skepper. In the past, skeps were often adorned with intricate patterns and symbols, turning each one into a small work of art. It’s a bit of a lost art, today, but there are still traditionalists keeping the craft alive.
The Role of the Bee Skep in English History
In England, the bee skep was commonly used for many centuries, dating back to medieval times. It became a symbol of industry and productivity, often seen in the gardens of manor houses and cottages alike. The skep's design allowed beekeepers to harvest honey without harming the bees, although it required the colony to be displaced to extract the honeycomb. This practice made beekeeping a delicate balance between nurturing the bees and reaping the sweet rewards of their labor.
It wasn’t until late in the Victorian period that the bee skep began to decline in popularity. The invention of modern hives, which allowed for easier honey extraction and better management of bee colonies, began to take over. Modern hives, as we know them today, were first invented in America in 1851 by Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, revolutionizing the way honey was harvested and beekeeping was practiced.
Whether modern or classic, bee hives—as our friend Winnie knows—are the best places to find honey. Honey has been used in everything from soothing sore throats to dressing wounds, making it a staple in both the kitchen and the medicine cabinet.
I love me some of that sweet nectar in a stout cup of black tea, with a splash of cream, of course…and so does my heroine in my upcoming release, Of Gold and Shadows.
In Victorian England, Egyptologist Ami Dalton balances academic life with a covert role rescuing black-market artifacts. Oxford bachelor Edmund Price unexpectedly finds himself entangled with Ami, and as they delve into a newly acquired collection, an artifact rumored to be cursed surfaces, and they wonder if something nefarious is hiding among the shadows.
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