Condition : Excellent, very good quality; minor wear appropriate to age and usage;

good patination; without monograms, crests or removals

Stilton cheese, introduced c1720, is named for the village of Stilton,

about 80 miles north of London - although it was never made there. 

In the 18th century, the town of Stilton was a staging post for coaches, where horses were changed and weary travelers

sought refreshment en route to Scotland and other Northern cities. In fact, the inn owners vied with one another

to see who could provide the swiftest service and best food.

Cooper Thornhill, the landlord of the famous Bell Inn, introduced these travelers to the creamy, blue-veined cheese,

which he purchased from cheese maker, Frances Pawlett of nearby Melton Mowbray. 

In 1789, Mr. Thornhill, being something of an entrepreneur, staged an illegal bare-knuckle boxing match,

erecting a tent for over 3000 spectators, many of whom were impeccably dressed gentlemen in frock coats and high collars. 

As wine, bread and Stilton cheese were plentiful, perhaps some gentleman

bent his silver spoon and determined to have his silversmith to invent the new implement. 

This is conjecture, but Stilton cheese scoops appears shortly thereafter in 1790. 

They were popular until c1914, when wedges of cheese replaced the whole of half Stilton wheel.