History of Bread

The History of Bread
Bread is one of the oldest foods known to man. It has been a staple food for over 5,000 years.
Of course, the bread we eat today is very different from the first loaves baked by Stone Age man. The shape and texture of modern bread products have evolved over the centuries!

Stone Age
The oldest record of bread-making is from the Stone Age when man made flour by crushing grains of wild grass by hand between two stones, one of which was hollowed. The meal produced was then mixed with water to make a form of dough and cooked over an open fire. The bread was coarse and heavy in texture.

The Normans
During this time, wheat replaced much of the rye and improved milling methods were introduced. Large, round, flat loaves called Trenchers were made with soft French flour which doubled up as plates. If they were really hungry, the Normans often ate the plate.

Middle Ages
The growth of towns and cities during this time saw a steady increase in trade and bakers began to set up in business. Bakers' Guilds were introduced to protect the interests of members.

Tudor Britain
Bread became a real status symbol. Nobility ate small fine white loaves called manchets made with sifted white flour, tradesmen and merchants ate wheaten cobs, serfs and the poor had to be satisfied with bran loaves.

Georgian Times
Throughout the Georgian period improvements in agriculture increased wheat yields. Tin mining in Cornwall was also flourishing at this time and metal was used to make baking tins.

Industrial Revolution
In the 19th century, people moved from the country into towns and cities to work in newly-built factories. New milling and baking methods emerged which produced greater results.

Leading UK Industry
Today, the UK flour-milling industry is one of the most modern and efficient in Europe. Large automated milling units have significantly increased productivity and greater use of cheaper home-grown wheat’s has helped produce more bread at a lower price. There are now many different types of bread providing a wide choice.

Interesting Fact: The Earl of Sandwich (a famous gambler) devised the sandwich so that he could stay at the gaming tables longer. A slice of meat between two slices of bread could be eaten without having to leave the gaming table for a meal!