Macaroni Downs Farm
Macaroni Downs Farm
One of the dictionary definitions of Macaroni is "a dandy who affected foreign manners and style in the 18th Century".
And its this – rather than the alternative definition of "pasta tubes made from wheat flour" – that gives a clue to the name of this tenanted mixed holding at Eastleach, Glos, farmed by Martin Squire. "People think its a wonderful name," he says.
Members of the London-based Macaroni Club used to mince down to a racecourse on this land in the late 18th and early 19th Century and it was at this time, in the reign of George III, that the farm was enclosed.
"They dressed up like smart men from the continent – wearing huge wigs and coloured stockings and carrying walking sticks," says Martin of these so-called dandies. "It doesnt bear much relation to how the farm is nowadays!"