Ep 9. Benjamin Franklin - at Home in London

In season 6 episode 9 of A Taste of History, titled "Benjamin Franklin - at Home in London," viewers are taken on a tour of Franklin's London home and learn about the incredible life and accomplishments of one of America's Founding Fathers.

The episode starts with a brief introduction to Franklin's life and his time in London. The host, Chef Walter Staib, explains that Franklin was sent to London by the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1757 to represent the colony's interests in England. Franklin lived in London for nearly 16 years, making a name for himself as a printer, scientist, philosopher, and politician.

Next, Chef Staib takes viewers on a tour of Franklin's London home, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy. Viewers get to see the various rooms in the house, including the parlor, the library, and Franklin's bedroom. Chef Staib highlights some of the unique features of the house, such as the built-in cabinets that Franklin used to store his scientific instruments and the secret passageway that connected his bedroom to his office.

Throughout the tour, Chef Staib shares interesting anecdotes about Franklin's life and his time in London. For example, viewers learn that Franklin was known for his love of good food and wine, and that he often cooked for himself and his guests. Chef Staib demonstrates how to make one of Franklin's favorite dishes, a savory chicken pot pie, using ingredients that would have been available in London during the 18th century.

Viewers also learn about Franklin's scientific experiments and inventions, such as his famous kite-flying experiment to prove that lightning was a form of electricity. Chef Staib explains how Franklin's scientific work often overlapped with his political and diplomatic efforts, and how he used his scientific expertise to build relationships with other scientists and intellectuals in London.

Finally, the episode explores Franklin's role as a diplomat and his efforts to secure support for the American Revolution. Viewers learn about Franklin's negotiations with the British government and his efforts to build relationships with other European powers, such as France and Spain. Chef Staib explains how Franklin's diplomatic efforts ultimately helped to secure French support for the American cause, which played a crucial role in the eventual victory over the British.

Overall, "Benjamin Franklin - at Home in London" is an informative and entertaining episode that offers viewers a unique look into the life and accomplishments of one of America's most important historical figures. Through his exploration of Franklin's home and his various roles as a scientist, politician, and diplomat, Chef Staib brings the history of the American Revolution to life and helps viewers understand the importance of Franklin's legacy.