Melton Mowbray the base. Stilton cheese originated near Melton Mowbray, and is still made in the town today. Stilton cheese takes its name from the village of Stilton in Huntingdonshire, where it was marketed to travellers on the Great North Road, though no Stilton was ever made there. Melton Mowbray pork pies are made with a specific "hand-raising" process and recipe. On 4 April 2008 the European Union awarded the Melton Mowbray pork pie Protected Geographical Indication status, following a long-standing application made by the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association. As a result of this ruling pies made only within a designated
Melton Mowbray zone around Melton, and using uncured pork, are allowed to carry the Melton Mowbray name on their packaging. On 6 April 1837, the 3rd Marquess of Waterford and his hunting party went on a "spree" through the streets of Melton, causing much damage. This event was recorded in the "London Examiner". Henry Alken's pictures "A Spree at Melton Mowbray" and "Larking at the Grantham Tollgate" are said to illustrate the event. The events were depicted in a play called "The Meltonians" at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1838. Melton Mowbray is home to Melton cloth (first mentioned in 1823),