Curry ‘n’ Chat night – The history of Biggleswade and the curry

Our next Biggleswade meeting will be on Thursday 26 January 2023 (not Tuesday 24 January 2023) and will be a special ‘Curry & Chat’ night.

Starting at 6pm at The Crown Hotel, Biggleswade (Wetherspoon), buy a curry, starting at £6.75, and join other attendees for a chat to get to know one another.

We thought that we’d take the opportunity to see the history of Biggleswade and also the curry!

Biggleswade is a small market town located in the county of Bedfordshire, England. It has a population of around 22,500 people and is situated on the River Ivel, around 40 miles north of London.

The town has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. During the Roman era, a settlement known as ‘Biggleswade Roman Town’ existed in the area. The town’s name is thought to be derived from the Old English words ‘bygel’ and ‘waed’, meaning ‘ring-shaped ford’.

Biggleswade has a traditional market square, which is home to a weekly market, as well as several independent shops and businesses. The town also has a number of supermarkets, including Asda and Aldi. The town centre also has a variety of pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

The town is home to several schools, including Biggleswade Academy, a large secondary school, and Stratton Upper School, which is a specialist science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) school.

One of the most notable landmarks in Biggleswade is the All Saints Church, which is a grade II listed building and dates back to the 12th century. The church is known for its impressive architecture, including its Norman nave and its beautiful stained glass windows.

Biggleswade also has a number of parks and green spaces and is also home to the Biggleswade Rugby Football Club, which plays in the London & SE Premier League and Biggleswade United Football Club, who are currently members of the United Counties League Premier Division South.

The town is well-connected, with Biggleswade railway station providing regular services to London King’s Cross and Cambridge. The A1 motorway also runs close to the town, making it easy to reach other parts of the country.

The origins of curry can be traced back to ancient India, where a variety of spice mixtures, known as masalas, were used to flavor and preserve food. These mixtures typically included a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers. As trade and cultural exchange expanded, the use of these spice mixtures spread to other parts of Asia, including present-day Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

British colonial influence in India during the 18th and 19th centuries also played a role in the spread and evolution of curry. British soldiers and administrators, who were introduced to Indian cuisine, brought back the concept of curry to Britain and adapted it to suit their own tastes. This led to the development of the traditional British ‘curry’ dish, which is often made with a pre-made curry powder and typically includes ingredients such as meat, potatoes, and a thick sauce.

Today, curry is enjoyed worldwide, with each country and region putting their own spin on the dish, using local ingredients and preparation methods.