Vale of Belvoir to produce true Stilton cheese under the terms of its protected origin status, only one is not located in the area. The vale is the historic centre for the production of this king of English cheeses and until the end of the 19th century all Stilton cheese was being produced within 20 miles of Melton Mowbray. However, the cheese took its name from the Huntingdonshire village of Stilton, where it was served at the coaching inns on the Great North Road. Melton is also the home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie, produced by traditional methods using uncured pork and
Vale of Belvoir hand-formed pastry and served cold. Both Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pies are covered by European Protected Designation of Origin orders. "Belvoir Angels" are a type of early 18th century Swithland slate tombstone found in the district. A comprehensive account of the natural history of the Vale was compiled in 1790 by the poet George Crabbe, who was chaplain to the Duke of Rutland and rector of Muston, Leicestershire. It includes a list of more than 70 beetle species. The vale is renowned fox hunting country and has many historical ties to the sport. A controversial coalfield development was proposed