Pork pie aristocratic visitors carry lumps of pie with them on horseback". The main distinctive feature of a Melton pie is that it is made with a hand-formed crust. The uncured meat of a Melton pie is grey in colour when cooked; the meat is chopped, rather than minced. As the pies are baked free-standing, the sides bow outwards, rather than being vertical as with mould-baked pies. In light of the premium price of the Melton Mowbray pie, the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association applied for protection under European Protected designation of origin laws as a result of the increasing production of
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