The history of Derbyshire Oatcakes
Mark Dawson
- Region:
- East Midlands
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby
- Fee:
- Paid: £60
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 7th May 2026
- Tagged:
- History | Derbyshire | Oatcakes | Food
Maybe not so well known as their cousins from Staffordshire, Derbyshire Oatcakes have a long history and are a traditional food of the north and west of the county. Up to the Second World War they were often the only form of bread that was eaten in large parts of the Peak District. I look at the earliest records of Derbyshire Oatcakes and the surviving evidence for how they were made, how they were eaten and what people thought of them. The story is brought right up to date as thankfully we still have people making and selling Derbyshire Oatcakes and I provide some traditional recipes for them.
Views: 1996 | Enquiries: 7About Mark Dawson
I've been researching, writing and giving talks about the history of food and drink for the last 20 years. I gained a PhD from Nottingham University in 2007 for my study of food and drink in a gentry household in the 16th century. Since then I've conducted extensive research into traditional food and drink in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and done some studies of individual foods - sheep's milk cheese, oatcakes and Henderson's Relish. I'm secretary of the Leeds Symposium on Food History and Traditions.
I'm used to giving talks to a wide variety of audiences - both national and local history societies and more general groups such as U3A, Probus and WI. Everything I talk about is thoroughly researched, but the aim is to entertain rather than just to lecture.
All talks are 45 minutes to 1 hour and illustrated by Powerpoint slides. I'm also happy to deliver all talks either in person or over Zoom.
I charge £50 that includes travelling expenses if within 25 miles of my home in North Derbyshire. I am prepared to travel further afield but may need to charge a little more to cover travel costs.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Mark Dawson
- A Saucy Tale. The History of Henderson's Relish
- What's up with ewe? 2000 years of English sheep's milk cheese
- To everything a season? The place of seasonal foods in Tudor England
- Food and Drink in Tudor Times
- Just Desserts. An alternative history of Derbyshire in 3 Puds
- Robin Puds: Traditional Puddings of Nottinghamshire, fact and fiction
- Monster Cakes and the Christmas Pudding King
- Fish and Fasting
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