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
Borough of Melton small villages within the surrounding rural area and the area of the Borough is 48,138ha. The population of the Borough at 2011 was 50,376 (2011 Census) and the population is predicted to grow to 53,600 by 2021 It was formed in 1974, from the Melton Mowbray Urban District and the Melton and Belvoir Rural District. The council offices on "Nottingham Road" burnt down on 30 May 2008. Across the road were situated the main offices of the East Midlands Regional Assembly before it was abolished in 2010. The borough is the home of Stilton Cheese and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.