Nestled amongst the rolling hills and picturesque lakes of Cumbria, a forgotten legend once bubbled with life – Marsh’s Sass. This wasn’t your average fizzy drink; it was a beloved local beverage shrouded in secrecy and boasting a devoted following. Imagine yourself transported back to a time when life moved at a slower pace, and the streets of Barrow-in-Furness echoed with the laughter of children clutching glass bottles filled with this mysterious concoction.
A Recipe Steeped in Mystery:
The first sip of Marsh’s Sass, concocted sometime in the early 20th century, likely sent a wave of cool refreshment through your palate. Imagine the sensation: tiny bubbles tickling your tongue, followed by a sweet, herbaceous flavour with a hint of spice. The exact recipe, however, remains a tantalising mystery, as closely guarded as the Crown Jewels. We know Walter Marsh, a name echoing through Cumbrian history, is credited with the original formula. Perhaps hints of sassafras root, the signature ingredient in Sarsaparilla, lingered on the tongue, but with a unique, local twist. Some whisper that it had a subtle floral aroma, like meadowsweet blooming by a Cumbrian stream, while others recall a warm, almost gingery finish.
From Penny-a-Glass to Cult Status:
Picture bustling streets, children chanting a catchy jingle, their pockets jingling with pennies. A penny was all it took to secure a glass of this delightful beverage at a dedicated Marsh’s Sass shop, perhaps with a marble counter and gleaming brass taps. This charming detail paints a picture of a drink deeply woven into the town’s social fabric. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a cultural touchstone, a symbol of local pride and community spirit. Grandparents treated their grandchildren, workers quenched their thirst on a hot summer’s day, and friends shared a bottle whilst catching up on the latest gossip. There was even a skipping rhyme dedicated to this local favourite: “Marsh’s Sass a penny a glass. When you drink it, it goes splash.
A Fizz that Faded (But Not That Long Ago!)
The exact circumstances surrounding Marsh’s Sass’s disappearance remain unclear. The torch seems to have been passed between different producers, each perhaps adding their own subtle twist to the recipe. The origins of the Barrow mineral water firm Marsh’s goes back to the 19th century with Walter Marsh, who by Edwardian times was living in School Street, Barrow. The pop was produced by Len Marsh to the end of the 1960s at a bottling plant in Duke Street, passed to the Brady family and eventually to Mitchell’s of Lancaster. But the fizz finally went flat sometime around 1999. Perhaps changing tastes, the rise of national brands like Coca-Cola, or other factors contributed to its eventual demise. Whatever the reason, the loss of Marsh’s Sass left a void in the hearts (and taste buds!) of those who remembered its unique flavour.
A Sweet Legacy in a Sugar-Taxed World
It’s fascinating to think how different the world was when Marsh’s Sass first emerged. In the late 1800s, when producers like Marsh’s and Underwood’s were quenching the thirst of folks in Barrow and Carlisle, there was no talk of obesity or sugar taxes. Sugar was seen as fuel for hardworking bodies, not something to be feared. Today, the government’s new sugar tax on fizzy drinks would surely surprise those early pioneers. Imagine the impact of a 24p per litre tax on drinks like Marsh’s Sass!
A Taste of the Past
Many Cumbrian families in the 1960s and 70s eagerly awaited the weekly arrival of the pop wagon, bringing with it a crate filled with fizzy favourites like Sass, cherryade, dandelion and burdock, and cream soda. These drinks evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times and local traditions.
Will the Secret Ever Be Unveiled?
Today, a single bottle of Marsh’s Sass, if one could be found, would likely fetch a hefty sum at auction. This enduring appeal, fuelled by the drink’s enigmatic nature and historical significance, speaks volumes about its impact. It’s a bittersweet reminder of a bygone era, a time when a local beverage could spark joy and community. Perhaps, somewhere in an attic or a dusty cellar, a forgotten crate of Marsh’s Sass awaits rediscovery…
One can only wonder if the secret recipe for Marsh’s Sass slumbers in a faded notebook, tucked away in a drawer, waiting to be rediscovered. Perhaps a local historian will stumble upon a forgotten clue, or a descendant of Walter Marsh will emerge with the knowledge to bring this beloved beverage back to life. Until then, Marsh’s Sass remains a tantalising taste of Cumbria’s past, a whisper of a forgotten fizz.
We’re on a quest to uncover the secrets of Marsh’s Sass! Any information, no matter how small, could help bring us closer to rediscovering this iconic Cumbrian beverage. Do you have any memories of Marsh’s Sass? We’d love to hear from you! Share your stories with us via our contact form or email us at info@furness-whisper.uk.