Welcome to Melton Mowbray

Melton Mowbray is located on the River Eye, in the county of Leicestershire, approximately 105 miles north of London and 15 miles north-east of Leicester.

The town has a population of around 25,300. Administratively it is within the Borough of Melton which covers an area of approximately 481 sq kms and which has a population of around 48,000.

It is a busy market town primarily renowned for its pork pies, Stilton cheese, and more controversially in present times as the premier fox-hunting centre in the country. There are some notable historic buildings including the impressive 12th-century Church of St.Mary, with its 100ft spire rising over the town, and the Anne of Cleves House. It is also home to some leading national research and educational institutions.

There was a settlement here during both the Iron Age and Bronze Age; many artefacts, including the Bronze Age 'Welby Hoard' from around 600BC, have been found here. There is written evidence that Melton Mowbray was a market town in 1077, and the town's population at the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 was around 200 people. The town received a further charter in 1324. During the Civil War the Roundheads garrisoned the town, and several engagements took place in the area. A canal was opened through the town in 1797, allowing the transport of coal, wool, lime, granite, grain and manure. The town is famous as the home of pork pies, Stilton cheese (which originated near the town), and Melton cloth.

Historically the town's economy was based upon wool. Manufacturing, including an iron works, foundry and a major coal mine were once established here. Today, major employers are PERA, with its research and development laboratories,  East Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service,  and Masterfoods (formerly Petfoods). The Royal Army Veterinary Training Corps Centre has been established here since the 1930s.

The name Melton comes from the early English word "Middletune" meaning middle town - same origin as places called "Milton" and "Middleton". Mowbray is a Norman family name - the name of early Lords of the Manor.