Cheesed Off! Nottingham’s Food Riots (1750-1800) - SOLD OUT

About

Friday 17 November 2023 I 5pm - 7pm

Nottingham Castle

FREE Event - Please book your place via the BOOK NOW button above

Part of ''Being Human' - A Festival of Humanities

In October 1766, the Mayor of Nottingham was bowled over by a gigantic cheese, during protests at the high price of food in Nottingham. Food riots were the most common form of popular protest in 18th century Britain, with regular, often physical, disturbances against the high price of flour, wheat, bread and dairy products. As an important centre of manufacturing and a town with a large and growing population, Nottingham was central to these disturbances, raising practical and moral issues of right and legitimacy for the authorities to resolve.

This interactive talk, cheese tasting and discussion will introduce attendees to Nottingham's food protests in the later-18th century. Dr Richard Gaunt, a historian of popular protest and radicalism, and Dr Denise Amos, a food historian, will consider different dimensions of the protests, and the elements of rhyme and reason which underpinned them. The event will include a guided walk of 'Rebellion Gallery' at Nottingham Castle, which introduces visitors to the town's rebellious history.

Access: 

Nottingham Castle Museum is accessible across all floors with lift access. Wheelchairs are available for use on the site. Assistance dogs are welcome in the museums, café, shop, park & gardens. Induction loop access is available at each reception point, Visitor Centre, shop & cafe. Glass doors and full-height windows have contrast markings, or displayed signage. The walls and the doors have high colour contrast. Signage that is icon led is visible throughout Nottingham Castle. Please contact the organiser regarding specific access requirements.

Accessible toilets, Assistance dogs welcome, Baby changing facilities, Hearing loop, Seating, Wheelchair accessible