Nobody really knows when bread was first produced but it is thought to have been at least 10,000 years ago. Some of the first grain production took place in Egypt and there is evidence that the workers who built the pyramids were paid in bread. The popularity of bread started to spread, undoubtedly helped by the Romans who took their preference for white leavened bread with them as they marched across Europe. By the Middle Ages, bread production in most European countries was well established, with many bakers setting up businesses.

Its importance to life in this country was first demonstrated as early as 1266 when the Assize of Bread was established to regulate and control the production of bread. Its predominance as a foodstuff continued and the latter part of the Middle Ages through to the 21st century have witnessed a great many developments resulting in the easy availability of a cheap loaf. Today it has been estimated that the equivalent of 9 million loaves are eaten each day in this country and we are spoiled by the range of bread available.

This exhibition looks back at bread production in the North East and the rest of the country over the last 800 years, highlighting its importance to everyday life. It is based on documents and printed material held by Archives and Special Collections, Durham University Library and was exhibited in October 2005 as part of the Durham Local Food Festival.