What is the history of cheese rolling?
Callum: The exact origin of the cheese rolling isn’t known, but is believed to have started in the early 1800s. Some say the tradition goes as far back as the ancient Romans, who used to have a fort on Cooper’s Hill and are credited as the first people to send objects hurtling down its steep slope.
Where was cheese rolling invented?
Gloucester Town
The first written evidence of Cheese Rolling was found in a message to the Gloucester Town Crier in 1826, though it is clear that the event was already an old tradition even at this date. Jean Jeffries, who has lived on the hill for 25 years, can trace the event back even further.
How steep is the hill for the cheese rolling?
Each year the master of ceremonies orders the eight-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese released at the count of three. The runners follow at the count of four. The 300-yard slope is 45 degrees on average, too steep to run down safely.
What is Gloucester Cheese Rolling?
What is cheese rolling? It’s pretty self-explanatory – a nine pound round of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled from the very top of the hill and competitors chase after it down to the bottom. The first person across the finish line is crowned winner, with the cheese as their prize.
When did the cheese rolling in Gloucester start?
The first written evidence of cheese rolling is found from a message written to the Gloucester town crier in 1826; even then it was apparent the event was an old tradition, and is believed to be at least six hundred years old. Why did cheese rolling start?
Where does the cheese rolling competition take place?
Cooper’s Hill. The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling competition takes its name from the hill outside of Gloucester, England, where it is held each spring. The rules are simple. A 9-pound, round Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down the hill given a one-second head start to the players who chase it down the hill.
Where does Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling take place?
The annual event is held on the Spring Bank Holiday at Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, near Gloucester. Introducing our definitive guide to the world of culinary wonders.
Where did the Cheese Rollers pub get its name?
The winner was given the prize of an actual cheese after the competition. The Cheese Rollers pub in the nearby village of Shurdington, about 3 miles (5 kilometres) from Cooper’s Hill, takes its name from the event. This ceremony originally took place each Whit Monday, before it later was moved to the Spring Bank Holiday.