Saturday 29 December 2012

Cinnamon by William Curley

Before the onset of a serious dose of cabin fever and the imminent arrival of the next weather front, we made a hasty exit into the murk.  Seriously, there is only so much Christmas TV a person can take!   With more than fifty shades of grey clouds rolling in over the horizon we decided Thorndon Country Park was just a bit too far and headed for Galleywood Common instead.  What an insightful decision that was to be.  

I have visited Galleywood Common several times in the past and walked through and around it on several occasions.  I have always been struck by the white fencing that can be seen from the road at various points. It never dawned on me that Galleywood Common was once a racecourse. Doh! How did I miss that?  

Apparently, the vibrant and colourful sport of horse racing had been taking place in Galleywood for 176 years from 1759 to 1935.  Allegedly, it was one of the oldest racecourses in the country probably dating back to King Charles ll (1660-1680).  

Galleywood Racecourse
It must have been an extremely exciting place to visit with all types of gambling and prize fighting taking place including, cock-fighting, rat-hunts and dog-fights to name just a few.  There were also special booths set up around the racecourse where visitors could part-take of food, beer, some fighting before finishing off with a spot of dancing...not Strictly I'm sure.  

Thousands of people came to see the steeplechase meetings which must have had a huge economic impact on the local community.  

In 1803 the English were particularly concerned about being invaded by Napoleon so, a huge star shaped Fort with artillery batteries was set atop massive earthworks to keep the French at bay should they decide to pay us a visit.  Galleywood Church is the only church in the country to be built in the middle of a racecourse. Unfortunately, the money ran out and the racecourse closed and was sold to Chelmsford Borough Council in 1942.  Interestingly, racing could be set to return to Essex at Great Leighs racecourse in April 2013.......I wonder if they'll have any cock-fighting?  

All that walking and fact finding has given me an appetite for some chocolate. Not that I really need any after all those mince pies and slices of Stollen! 

32% Milk Chocolate
This particular bar of chocolate is produced and presented in the same style as William Curley's House Bars.  The outer packaging and thick gold paper is excellent providing a quality feel to the product.  This bar itself is described as, 'milk chocolate hinted with cinnamon, the delicate spicing adding to the caramel notes'

50g Milk Chocolate with a
hint of Cinnamon. £4.50
 The finish of the chocolate surface looks scuffed and scratched and I'm not sure whether this is due to the packaging or whether it was due to my poor photography skills?  The not overly sweet milk chocolate melts quickly with a smooth buttery mouth feel and caramel taste.  Unfortunately, after several chunks more I'm still trying to find the cinnamon.....not even a hint. 

Disappointingly, an indifferent bar of chocolate which didn't set the taste buds a bubbling. A hint of cinnamon is not enough....I need a nudge, nudge, wink, wink's worth of cinnamon! Overall 5/10. To buy click here.

12 comments:

  1. What an awesome place, I love history! I am on my way to check out your links to learn more:)

    Thank you for joining Let's Get Social Sunday and I am now following via GFC

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    1. Yes, Essex is one of those counties that has so many hidden treasures...Thank you for the follow.

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  2. I'm glad it's not just me that craves chocolate after a long walk! But that certainly looks like a lovely spot with a wonderful history.

    It's a shame about the chocolate, I would also want more than just a hint of cinnamon - especially in a bar called "Cinnamon"!

    Katherine :)

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    1. Hi Katherine, thank you for your comment. I'm hoping the weather stays fine on New Year's day so we can enjoy another trip out and then some more chocolate :))!

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  3. Ooooh that chocolate looks gorgeous

    Hiya, Im now linked up through the Social Sunday linky and am a new follower :-)
    http://adventuresofayorkshiremummy.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Hi Michaela, thanks for your follow. Interesting to read on your blog about Daxon.....it is a shame they're only interested in fashion and not chocolate :(

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  4. The chocolate sounds yummy and the commons sounds beautiful. Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi Georgie, welcome to The World of Chocolate. It's a tough job but somebody has to eat it!

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  5. Oh, the chocolate looks delicious, and what an awesome place to visit. Your newest follower from the Let's Get Social Hop. :)

    Kathy @ http://lifeonlakeshore.com

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  6. Thank you so much for following and sharing at A Bouquet of Talent! So thrilled to have you!

    Happy New Year!!

    Kathy

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  7. Terrific post. I'm your newest GFC follower from the Let's get Social hop.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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    1. Hi Sandy, thanks for stopping by and I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed the most. Happy blogging in 2013!

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