Eccles cakes are named for the town of Eccles in Lancashire, England, now classified as a town in the City of Salford, Greater Manchester. Though their origin long predates him, it was James Birch who became the first person to sell Eccles cakes commercially in 1793 in the Eccles town centre.

What is the history of Eccles cakes?

Like many of Britain's cakes, the pastry has its origins in religious festivals. ... It's thought that the Eccles cake was made for the feast day of St Mary in Eccles, whose town festival, known as Eccles Wakes, included the custom of rush-bearing (spreading rushes over the church floor), music and dancing.

When was Eccles cakes first made?

Named after the town of Eccles in Lancashire, the cake was first sold commercially by James Birch at his shop in the town center in 1793. But the origins of the pastry stretch back much further, to festivals known as “Eccles wakes,” which celebrated the feast of St. Mary and the construction of the town church.