We are at Melton Mowbray. The home of Pork pies. And one of only a couple of areas in England  where they can call the famous cheese ‘Stilton’. What more could you want……………….Pork pies and Stilton! Allthego had both, his pork pie was smeared with a generous helping of Stilton, and Homealone….well  hers’ was covered with a layer of apple chutney…….what a gastronomic delight!

Self explanatory!

Original Pork pies. One with Stilton smeared on top and the other with an apple chutney on top

In chasing down the pork pie at the Original Pork Pie shop we bailed up one of the shop assistants and quizzed her on baking techniques and whether they could send some of these great pies to Oz. Well,  low and behold they wont let the pies out of  England  just like the cricket ashes………but one of their ex employees in M-M has not long moved to Brisbane (of all places, but this guy is just another creative talent finding home in Brisbane!) and can supply an Oz variant. We will make contact on our return.

Back in 1837 the Marquis of Waterford was at the race meeting near town and he and a few mates stormed the town splashing red paint around all the town buildings, as well as creating general mayhem. This is the third thing Melton Mowbray is famous for………..the expression ‘painting the town red!’ Is this better than pork pies?

A prominent building known as Anne of Cleaves House sits in the main street. Apparently,  Henry VIII gave it to her as part of the divorce settlement in 1540. He had just chopped Oliver Cromwell’s head off, Cromwell actually owned the house. Rough justice but a cheap settlement! Currently, the building is a restaurant and bar.

Melton Mowbray markets

Anne of Cleaves House

In the afternoon we headed off for Sherwood Forest to catch up with Robin Hood and his Merrie Men. Sherwood is a great old forest full of tales, some perhaps ‘true’ and others ……..well ….maybe we should just enjoy them! Sherwood is not like what one would ‘expect’. It is full of open spaces and scattered trees and grass lands. Supposedly, this is similar to what it would have been a 1000 years ago. In the Information Centre,  much is made of the story  of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men. What is a bit surprising is the  vast amount of research that has been undertaken into the legend. Books are everywhere.  It’s a great story anyway!

‘Major Oak’ estimated to be over 1100 years old!

Robin Hood and Little John contesting on the Bridge!

Sherwood Forest walk

Maid Marian in the Forest, just being shy!

Returning to the hotel for the night we dined on some Fish n Chips. We couldn’t resist finishing dinner  by sharing a  dessert. …….Spotted Dick, covered with a pretty good custard.

We then head for Norwich, via the Norfolk coast.