Melton-Mowbray

Melton-Mowbray, a town of Leicestershire, in the centre of a great hunting district, is seated on the river Eye near its junction with the Wreak, 15 miles NE. of Leicester, and 104 NNW. of London. It has a fine cruciform church, mainly Early English, and is famous for its manufactures of pork pies and Stilton cheese, chiefly for retail in the London, Manchester, and Leeds markets. Near the town in February 1644 a severe engagement took place between parties of royalist and parliamentary troops, resulting in the defeat of the latter; and amongst its natives have been Archbishop de Melton, who lies buried in the church, and 'Orator' Henley. Pop. (1801) 1766; (1881) 5776; (1891) 6392.