Ellen Bankes Friend (born Ellen Pigeon) (1816-1883) was married to John Bankes Friend (1808-1881), a Director of the Globe Insurance Company, and a Governor of Christ's Hospital in England. This collection includes a handwritten recipe book and one loose leaf recipe, previously folded into the book, compiled by Ellen. The recipe book is dated February 14, 1840.

This recipe book was written by Antonio Leoni of Arezzo in 1749. The book appears to be in two hands, and includes medicinal remedies as well. It is not known whether or not Leoni copied these from another source.

Margery Pope was approximately born in 1909 and apparently lived her life in and around Southampton, England during World War II. This item is a recipe book once owned by Pope and also includes loose recipes, printed and handwritten, which were previously inserted in the book's rear pocket. The notebook spans from 1938 to 1947.