Cheese rolling in Gloucestershire

Jefferies, Jean200704UU

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Summary

Each year on May Bank Holiday Monday a bunch of reckless competitors hurl 7lb cheeses down the precariously steep Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire. The aim of the race is to chase the cheese down the hillside to see who can reach the foot first. This book talks about this tradition which has been practised for centuries. Each year on May Bank Holiday Monday a bunch of reckless competitors hurl 7lb cheeses down the precariously steep Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire. The aim of the race is to chase the cheese down the hillside to see who can reach the foot first. This dangerous tradition has been practised for centuries, perhaps even dating back as early as the Roman period, and is thought initially to have perpetuated the ancient grazing rights of the commoners. Even in the handful of years that the event hasn't taken place a single token cheese has been rolled down the hill in order to perpetuate the tradition. Although there have been a number of injuries over the years the event continues to draw in large crowds and it is hoped that the tradition will continue for many years to come.