The legend
The Tamworth breed of pigs originated in Ireland where they were called “The Irish Grazer”. Early in the 19th century it is claimed that Sir Robert Peel, (former UK prime Minister and founder of the modern police or ‘peelers’), being impressed with their breed characteristics, imported some of them and started to breed them on his estate at Tamworth, England. He was looking for a hardy, fine-tasting pig. Tamworth pigs are known as the aristocrats of the pig world with long legs and pricked ears and a golden red coat.