History of British Cheese Making

The roots of British cheesemaking date back over 2,000 years. The Romans brought cheesemaking skills with them, and by the Medieval period, monasteries were key centres for maturing and crafting cheese. Over time, regions like Cheshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire became famous for their unique styles.

Despite the ups and downs of history, including industrialisation and two World Wars, British cheesemakers kept many traditional methods alive. Today, many artisan producers are bringing these methods back, creating cheeses full of taste and character.

At the heart of this tradition are cheeses with protected names and long heritage. Cheddar, Stilton and Red Leicester are known worldwide, but our shelves are also full of lesser-known British wonders ready to be enjoyed.

Crumbly Classics: Cheshire, Lancashire and Wensleydale

Some of the oldest recorded cheeses in Britain are also among the tastiest. Let’s start with Cheshire cheese. It has a history going back to the 12th century and is loved for its crumbly, moist texture and slightly salty tang. If you want to taste a fine example of this traditional cheese, try the beautifully made Appleby’s Cheshire. Handmade and cloth-bound, it’s a real taste of countryside tradition.

Lancashire cheese comes in two main styles: crumbly and creamy. The crumbly variety is light and fresh, while the creamy version, which is aged a little longer, is smooth but still sharp.

Then there’s Wensleydale, originally made by monks in Yorkshire. It has a sweet, milky flavour and crumbly body that pairs wonderfully with fruit cake or a slice of apple.

You can explore more British gems like these in our artisan cheese collection at Cheese Shop Nantwich.

Bold and Blue: Stilton and Friends

When we think of blue cheese in Britain, the king is Stilton. Protected by law, only cheese made in parts of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire can carry the name. With its creamy texture and bold blue-veined taste, Stilton is perfect for winter cheeseboards or recipes that need a flavour kick.

Alongside Stilton, British cheesemakers are producing new and exciting blue cheeses. Shropshire Blue is rich and creamy with an orange hue, while Cornish Blue is smooth and mild in comparison.

These cheeses are perfect with sweet accompaniments like fig jam, pear or even a drizzle of honey. A glass of ruby port beside it makes for a divine treat.

You’ll find a wonderful range of English blue cheeses within our cut English cheese section online.

Perfect Pairings: What to Eat and Drink with British Cheese

A great cheese is made even better with the right pairing. British cheeses work well with a wide variety of breads, crackers, fruit and drinks.

Crumbly cheeses like Cheshire go well with oatcakes or pickled onions. The saltiness complements tangy or acidic foods, and they’re great with a pint of real ale. For Wensleydale, try slices of apple, grapes or a touch of fruit chutney.

Blue cheeses balance beautifully with sweet partners. Think port wine, honey, or dates. Stilton especially shines with a glass of Sauternes or dessert wine, bringing out its depth.

And don’t forget your hard cheeses like Cheddar. Mature Cheddar loves a slice of crusty sourdough or rye bread and matches well with a dry cider or strong English ale.

Whenever you’re preparing your cheeseboard, take your time. Smell each cheese and try it with different things. Let your taste buds tell the story.

Farmhouse Heroes: Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester

These cheeses are the workhorses of any cheeseboard or sandwich. Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK and comes in many styles, from mild and creamy to mature and punchy. A good quality farmhouse Cheddar has lots of flavour and a lovely smooth texture.

Red Leicester adds colour and sweetness. It’s often a bit crumbly but melts beautifully, making it great in toasties or sauces. Made with annatto for that bright orange-red hue, it’s also a visual treat.

Then there’s Double Gloucester, mellow and buttery with a dense texture. It’s often less sharp than Cheddar, making it perfect for those who like a smoother cheese.

These cheeses are deeply rooted in British dairy history and are still loved by families everywhere. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we make sure to stock well-aged examples of these cheeses so you can enjoy them in their perfect state.

Cheese for Every Occasion

British cheese isn’t just for fancy cheeseboards or special occasions. There are varieties for every moment, school lunches, cooking, picnics and parties.

Try melting Red Leicester into a toastie, adding mature Cheddar to a hearty dish like shepherd’s pie, or crumbling a bit of Cheshire over a fresh salad. British cheese is versatile and flavourful, bringing a special touch to simple meals.

We also recommend exploring our artisan cheese page, where you’ll find both classic and new creations from across the UK. From soft to semi-hard, blue to smoked, there’s something to suit every cheese lover.

Support for Local Makers

When you buy British cheese, you’re supporting not just a product, but a way of life. Many cheeses still come from farms that use traditional methods hand-cut curds, cloth-wrapped ageing, and even ageing in limestone caves.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we work closely with producers who take pride in their craft. This matters not only for taste and freshness, but also for keeping rural food culture strong.

Buying British also means reducing food miles and knowing more about where your food comes from. It’s a simple but tasty way to support British farming and delight your taste buds.

FAQs

What’s the oldest British cheese?

Cheshire is widely known as the oldest named British cheese, dating back to the 12th century.

Is Stilton only made in Stilton village?

No, Stilton cheese is not made in the village of Stilton. It’s made in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire under protected rules.

Can I eat British cheese if I’m pregnant?

Most hard cheeses like Cheddar and Cheshire are safe to eat when pregnant. Always check labels and speak with health advisors if you’re unsure.

What wine goes best with British cheese?

That depends on the cheese. Port and sweet wine go well with blue cheeses, while dry whites match soft and fresh cheeses. Try red wine with mature Cheddars.

How should I store British cheese at home?

Wrap it in wax paper and keep it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

End Your Cheese Journey with the Perfect Bite

From crumbly Cheshire to rich Stilton and smooth Double Gloucester, British cheeses are full of character and flavour. There’s so much to taste, smell and share, whether you’re starting your journey or revisiting old favourites.

We make it easy for you. Visit us at Cheese Shop Nantwich or explore online through our main website. Don’t miss our curated selection of English cheeses and discover the magic behind each bite.

Treat your table, impress your guests, or enjoy a quiet moment with a cracker and a slice of something amazing. Your journey through real British cheese starts today.