How a Durham woman invented English mustard before Colman’s

Yet the story of Britain’s most famous condiment actually begins more than 300 years ago in the heart of Durham City.

Long before mustard became linked with Norfolk, Durham entrepreneur Mrs Clements is believed to have turned mustard seeds into the fiery powder still found on British tables today.

According to local histories, Mrs Clements made her breakthrough around 1720.

Mustard had been eaten in England for centuries, but it was usually made by crushing the seeds into a coarse paste.

Mrs Clements found that grinding the seeds into a fine powder, like flour, produced a much stronger flavour.

The pungent, versatile product soon became famous far beyond County Durham.

Her invention became hugely popular and was soon known as ‘Durham Mustard’.

At a time when opportunities for female entrepreneurs were limited, Mrs Clements travelled around the country taking orders and building a successful business.

The mustard’s fame eventually reached the royal court.

Historical accounts suggest King George I became a customer, helping spread Durham Mustard among fashionable society.

For decades, Durham was famous for its mustard trade.

An old local saying summed up the city’s attractions as “wood, water and pleasant walks, law, gospel, old maids and mustard.”

The precise location of Mrs Clements’ original mustard operation has been debated by historians, but it is believed to have been centred around Saddler Street.

Today, Vennels Café celebrates that connection from one of Durham’s historic alleyways.

The café occupies part of a centuries-old building and tells visitors the story of Durham mustard.

Vennels says part of the original property was linked to Mrs Clements’ business, so it calls itself the birthplace of modern English mustard.

For years, Durham’s role in the story of English mustard was largely forgotten.

Recent work by local historians and tourism organisations has revived interest in the story.

A closer look at Durham Mustard.

In 2024, a new Durham Mustard brand was launched, inspired by historic recipes and Mrs Clements’ pioneering work.

More than three centuries later, visitors can still walk Durham’s cobbled streets where the story began.

Durham may no longer be Britain’s mustard capital, but its claim to have created the nation’s favourite fiery condiment remains a source of local pride.