| Description | Includes contemporary index.
Note: Thomas Youdan, of 66 West Bar, beerhouse keeper was elected to represent St Philip's Ward on 1 Nov 1858 (see page 493). In January 1856 in celebration of the proclamation of peace and the end of the Crimean War Youdan requested the confectioner George Bassett to bake an enormous 'monstre' cake. Youdan (c. 1834 - 1876) was a well-known Sheffield character. He converted his casino into the Surrey Street Music Hall in 1852; he was also known for sponsoring an association football competition, played in Sheffield [the Youdan Cup].
The cake was so huge (it weighed 4 tons) it had to be carried through the town on wagons three abreast. In total over 10,000 eggs were used, 2,000 pounds of flour, 1,300 pounds of butter, 3,400 pounds of currants and raisins. The icing alone weighed 412 pounds. Unfortunately there were complaints it was not properly cooked and Youdan's plans to sell tickets for a lottery of slices which contained medals was declared an illegal lottery by the Government.
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