Seint Julian he was in his contree.
His breed, his ale, was alweys after oon;
A bettre envyned man was nowher noon.
Withoute bake mete was nevere his hous,
Of fissh and flessh, and that so plentevous.

– Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue. The Franklin is the Saint Julian of lavish hospitality in his country. He lays on for his guests good quality bread, ale and wine. His house is never without baked meat and fish pies.