Bakestone
A bakestone is a type of griddle, particularly associated with Wales where they are used for cooking Welsh cakes.
Until the 19th century, bakestones were made of stone. They were usually oval and of slate or very fine micaceous flaggy sandstone about thick. Modern bakestones are usually circular with a cut-out handle and are made of cast iron or steel, approximately thick.
New bakestones are 'seasoned' by burning a mixture of lard or oil and salt, giving a non-stick surface and protecting against rust. The blackened surface is not removed when the bakestone is cleaned and bakestones are believed to improve with repeated use.
In Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire the name was spelt and pronounced bakstone and they were primarily used to cook very thin yeasted oatcakes or earlier riddlebread.
