Is Gloucester's Pilgrim's Pie illegal?
Pie makers entering a competition at Gloucester Cathedral could find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
The ancient venue has asked local cooks to submit a recipe for a pie – with the best one being put into production for sale in the Cathedral’s cafe.
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Mandy Neufeld,Manager at the Gloucester Cathedral Coffee Shop, with the Pilgrims Pie
However, according to research, making a Pilgrim’s Pie in Gloucestershire could break a law dating back to the Doomsday Book.
The book records pagans making Pilgrim’s Pies to sell to monks in the Gloucester area, an idea which enraged local ruler Egbert of Wessex so much that he outlawed the practice.
He also banned the sale of shepherds’ pies in the area at the same time.
However, competition organisers said they were not worried about the ancient law.
Cathedral Chapter steward Mark Beckett said: “We will bear the proclamation in mind and try to avoid the wrath of the powers that be.
“However, as shepherds’ pie is being made and sold in these parts without prosecution, I think we can go ahead with our plans to launch our Pilgrim’s Pie.”
The closing date for entries into the pie competition has passed, with judging due to take place on Monday, March 1.
11 Comments
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by Chris, Chelteham
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 10:30PM
“With reguards to Matt H.
I to agree with your post, why do let let frequent offenders off, just so they may learn, where as old by-laws, people are punished!”
by AJ, Churchdown
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 6:45PM
“I'm glad I put a smile on all your faces.
I too had thought Pilgrims, though I have no complaints about people from Plymouth or Wales being included...so long as they're wash first, you know how smelly & dirty they all are, lol”
by The Angel, On The Cathedral Tower
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 12:59PM
“AJ Churchdown! Perhaps they put Welshmen who have been shot by bow and arrow, at Hereford, in Pilgrim Pies?!”
by Matt H, Cheltenham
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 11:42AM
“No doubt the local magistrates will impose a lengthy prison sentence here. Whilst letting the career burglars & car thieves off with "one more chance", for the umpteen time.....”
by captain catt, seamen's mission
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 10:57AM
“Gordon Ramsay, Gloucester
Shortage what shortage? Look at Mecca!”
by Quedgeley Guy, Quedgeley
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 10:32AM
“Prosecution for making a pie is a non starter.
I understand that Hereford Cathedral Archers,from way back,are allowed to use Welsh People for target practice.
Try that now and you will get into trouble. ;)”
by tewkstewks, tewks
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 10:01AM
“AJ Churchdown
Pilgrims :-)”
by Severn Bore, Gloucester
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 9:29AM
“Do my eyes and ears deceive me or is an officer of the Church seriously advocating a flagrant breach of the law of the land?
Too much of this sort of thing goes on these days. Someone must do something about this. Have the police been informed?
WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!”
by Gordon Ramsay, Gloucester
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 9:01AM
“AJ - nowadays it is people from Plymouth that go in the pie due to the shortage of pilgrims.”
by Mike, Gloucester
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 8:36AM
“AJ - Pilgrims, Presumably.”