Part 6/8:

Interestingly, the historical context of bread-making revealed that many people did not own ovens. Bread was often obtained from bakers or communal ovens. The bakers in Coventry once petitioned King Henry III to regulate bread prices, resulting in the Assize of Bread and Ale—an early form of consumer protection that endured for centuries.

Shaping and Baking the Dough

As the dough proved to be more puffy than rising significantly, the guest prepared to shape the loaf. He gently formed it into a round shape before allowing it to rise again briefly while preheating the oven.