The Thrills and Spills of Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire
Featured in A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor
In A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor Max and the team from St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research jump back on Whit Sunday to 19th Century Gloucester to witness and participate in the famous cheese rolling event.
Here we explore the history, rules, and enduring popularity of cheese rolling in Gloucestershire.
Cheese rolling, a quirky and adrenaline-fueled event, has been a beloved tradition in for centuries. Held annually on the steep slopes of Cooper's Hill near the village of Brockworth, the event draws participants and spectators from around the world to witness the spectacle of competitors chasing a wheel of cheese down a treacherous hillside.
The origins of cheese rolling are shrouded in mystery, with some historians tracing its roots back to ancient pagan rituals celebrating the arrival of spring or fertility rites associated with the land. Others believe that the tradition may have originated as a way for local farmers to demonstrate their agility and strength while rolling wheels of cheese down the hillside.
Regardless of its origins, cheese rolling has been a cherished tradition in Gloucestershire for generations, with the first recorded cheese rolling event taking place in the mid-19th century. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, attracting larger crowds and gaining international attention for its unique blend of athleticism and absurdity.
Each year, on the late May Bank Holiday Monday, thousands of spectators gather on Cooper's Hill to witness the spectacle of cheese rolling. The event begins with the rolling of a large wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down the hill, followed by a throng of competitors who chase after it in a chaotic and exhilarating race to the bottom.
The steep and uneven terrain of Cooper's Hill adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the race, with participants often tumbling, somersaulting, or careening down the hillside in their quest to capture the coveted cheese. The first competitor to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese and earns bragging rights as the champion of the day.
While cheese rolling may appear to be a free-for-all, the event does have a few rules and safety precautions in place to minimize the risk of injury. Organizers discourage participants from using dangerous techniques or tactics, such as pushing or tripping their competitors, and advise them to wear appropriate footwear and protective gear.
In recent years, concerns about safety and liability have led to some modifications to the event, including the use of smaller, lightweight wheels of cheese and the presence of medical personnel on standby to assist injured participants. Despite these precautions, cheese rolling remains a thrilling and unpredictable spectacle that continues to attract thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies from far and wide.
Cheese rolling in Gloucestershire is more than just a quirky tradition; it's a testament to the spirit of community, camaraderie, and good-natured fun that defines the region. As spectators gather on Cooper's Hill each year to witness the spectacle of cheese rolling, they become part of a tradition that has endured for centuries, celebrating the joy of competition, the thrill of adventure, and the simple pleasure of chasing a wheel of cheese down a hillside.
To find out how Max and the team fared please read A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor. Available in paperback, eBook and audiobook formats.
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