Egyptians were hatching chicks from as early as 4000 years ago, records show. The Greeks from 400 years BC. Some archaeologists say chickens were around 3000 years BC. In any case, the chicken has been with us for a very long time.

When the Romans conquered Britain, they brought chickens with them, but they also found domestic fowl already here.

However, their diffusion westwards was a long process. They probably reached Britain, for example, with Celtic tribes during the 1st century BC. They had arrived in Greece, probably from Persia, about 300 years before that, and there are numerous references in classical literature, for example to their being served as food at symposia. The Romans bred hens for their meat, selecting docile, heavy birds...An old English breed, the Dorking, also shares these characteristics, leading to speculation that ancestors of these birds flourished in Roman Britain

Under the Romans, us Brits started to breed chickens for meat and eggs, but it wasn't until Victorian times that breeding chickens to show became popular. Queen Victoria herself became interested in chickens, breeding and showing them. The Victorians followed suit. They organised clubs, competitions, exhibitions and paid hundreds of pounds at auction for the finest birds. Of course there were some enthusiasts who decided to follow the Indian practice of breeding cocks for fighting. Queen Victoria banned the cruel sport in 1849.

Here's a chicken recipe that I love:

Chicken with leeks.

Dice up chicken thighs and sprinkle with squeezed lemon.

Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, a teaspoon of sugar and about 3 tablespoons of sherry.

Allow this to marinate for an hour.

Sprinkle with curry powder, place in a hot pan and brown in vegetable oil.

Add chopped leeks, salt and pepper.

Pour in a pint of stock and simmer for 45 minutes.

Serve with rice or pasta.

Chicken Marinade

Sometimes chicken can be a little bland, but this recipe for chicken marinade will pack it with flavours.

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