Bronze plaque № 29989

This bronze commemorative plaque records: The pancake bell. The ancient custom of bell-ringing on Shrove Tuesday is still maintained at Scarborough. The “Pancake” or “Curfew” bell was hung above the entrance of the Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr near this site until the demolition of the building in 1861. It was rung on Shrove Tuesday as a signal for housewives to commence cooking the traditional pancakes. In 1861 the bell was removed to Scarborough Museum where it the customary ringing on Shrove Tuesday was undertaken until 1996 when the replacement bell now hung in this location was provided. The bell is rung on Shrove Tuesday each year at midday. The replacement bell has been provided by the Borough Council with the assistance of Tate & Lyle Sugars, Morrison’s Stores, Electricity Supply Nominees, Scarborough Hotels association, Scarborough Beaujolais Runners, Tony Peers and the people of Scarborough Recorded plaque organisation: Scarborough Borough Council.

The pancake bell at Scarborough marks a long-standing local tradition where it was rung on Shrove Tuesday to signal the beginning of pancake cooking. This custom reflects the region's historical culinary practices and community traditions, preserving an ancient English festival ritual.