What food did the first British Monarch eat?

It's impossible to say for sure what the first British monarch ate. There's no reliable evidence to tell us what King Aethelstan, who is generally considered the first King of England, consumed.

However, we can make some educated guesses based on the food available at the time:

* Common foods: The diet of most people in the 10th century would have been based on what they could grow or hunt locally. This would have included:

* Grain: Bread, porridge, and various gruels would have been staples.

* Vegetables: Root vegetables like turnips, carrots, and parsnips, along with onions, leeks, and garlic.

* Meat: Limited availability of beef, pork, and venison, with mutton and chicken more common.

* Fish: Available depending on location and season.

* Eggs: Likely a common source of protein.

* Dairy: Milk, cheese, and butter would have been important.

* Honey: Used as a sweetener.

* Royal diet: As a king, Aethelstan would have had access to a wider variety of foods, including:

* More meat: Including wild game, birds, and perhaps even exotic meats like peacock.

* Spices: Imported spices like pepper and cinnamon would have been used in royal cuisine.

* Wine and beer: Aethelstan would have enjoyed these drinks, which were also important for their medicinal properties.

It's also important to remember that food preparation in the 10th century was very different from today. Cooking methods were basic, and preservation techniques were limited.

While we can't say for sure what Aethelstan ate, we can imagine a diet based on the resources available at the time, with more variety and luxury than the average person's.