Book excerpt: Elizabeth was the first Duchess of Northumberland and established the domestic rules of this dynasty that has ruled for over 700 years. Controlling a household of great power and prestige, she laid down the guidelines in her 'Household Book' that created a framework from which to run Alnwick Castle and that, to this day, contains advice that is not only fascinating, but also remains highly relevant. The 'Household Book of the noble family of the Percies' is a fascinating insight into history and domesticity through the ages that is brought right up to date by Jane, the present Duchess of Northumberland. Compiling many of the 'Household Book's' wonderful recipes for jams, jellies and preserves, and featuring what is thought to be the oldest known recipe for marmalade, The Duchess of Northumberland's Little Book of Jams, Jellies and Preserves will appeal to everyone with an interest in cookery, household management and social history. The Duchess of Northumberland was responsible for the £35 million restoration of the 12 acres of walled garden at Alnwick Castle, which now includes the largest treehouse in the world and the famous Poison Garden. The Poison Garden remains one of the few places to have obtained permission from the Home Office to grow cannabis, opium poppies and catha edulis for display.