National Beer Day, also known as Beer Day Britain, is observed on June 15 to commemorate the signing of the Magna Carta. On this day in the 13th century, a group of English barons effectively negotiated with the King of England a pact that limited the monarchy’s ostensibly universal rights. Additionally, the accord standardised the measurement of beer, ale, and wine across the nation. In 2015, beer connoisseur Jane Peyton established Beer Day Britain to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the charter.
The background of Beer Day Britain
Every year on June 15, the pubs are packed and the chips run out, but the beer never runs out, as the nation celebrates Beer Day Britain.
To the rest of the world, beer may be just another alcoholic beverage, but not to the British. Britain is the cradle of some of the world’s most iconic brew styles. Industrial lagers, stouts, pale ales, porters, and everyday ciders all trace their origins and spread to this modest island in Western Europe. Since almost the beginning of time, the inhabitants have brewed beer as part of their Celtic traditions. During the Middle Ages, homebrewing was immensely prevalent.
On a parallel timeline, the English monarch confronted a revolt from the upper class. Throughout a year-long campaign, the English barons repeatedly voiced their discontent with excessive taxation and demanded the institution of equitable justice and the rule of law.
King John, entangled in losing conflicts, signed an agreement to relinquish control over the country’s judicial and civic affairs. This was widely regarded as the first abdication of the British monarchy. In the Magna Carta, he standardised the measurement of ale, beer, wine and maize throughout the kingdom, which became known as ‘the London quarter.’ Since then, beer production and consumption have not eased down. In fact, it has exponentially increased with every passing century. In the 15th century, beer surpassed ale to become the national intoxicating beverage of the United Kingdom.
Jane Peyton, a beer educator and connoisseur, founded Beer Day Britain in 2015 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Great Charter. She also co-wrote the ‘Cheers to Beer’ anthem, which is sung by Brits at 7 p.m. to celebrate beer day.
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5 EPIC INCIDENTS INVOLVING BEER
In 1814, an explosion at the Horse Shoe Brewery released over 100,000 gallons of beer onto the cobblestone streets, drowning eight persons.
The builders of the famous Egyptian Pyramids were paid in beer and bread; beer jars have been discovered in their tombs.
One of the earliest structures on Downing Street was a brewery, which operated until the late 1500s.
According to academics, ancient nomads only settled in areas where barley could be harvested and fermented.
During the Middle Ages, a jug of beer was considered superior to a sip of water because the fermentation process purified and made the beverage safer to ingest.
BEER DAY BRITAIN DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | June 15 | Thursday |
2024 | June 15 | Saturday |
2025 | June 15 | Sunday |
2026 | June 15 | Monday |
2027 | June 15 | Tuesday |