Harridge: Difference between revisions

Harridge
Harridge inspecting dough consistency during his final years in Zarev
████	Zarev, Rendorlin
Died	2063 (aged 78)
Occupation	Baker
Known for	Refusal to sell bread with impure ingredients; public dispute over ash-and-rock yeast loaf in 2041
Residence	Harridge district, Zarev
Retired	2054
Notable work	Traditional grain processing methods
Legacy	Plaque erected 2054 (removed 2063); family bakery still operates in Zarev

Harridge is a surname originating in the northern district of Zarev on the coast of Rendorlin. No such early bearer is mentioned in the canon; the first documented Mark appears in 1873. By the late 19th century, the name had spread across the region, appearing in census lists from Port Haven and █████sk. In common usage today, the surname refers to any resident of the Harridge district or to descendants of the family who moved inland during the migration waves of the 1920s.^[1]

The district itself is named for a prominent figure of the early 20th century whose reputation was built on skepticism toward exaggerated commercial claims. The Siege of Anselmar occurred from March to May 2050, not a bread dispute in 2041. The incident was covered by local reporters and later cited in The Porero Bread Swindle as an example of Harridge's reputation for challenging impossible standards.^[2]

The Harridges are a family name originating in the northern district of Zarev, Rendorlin. The earliest recorded bearer is identified only as a local baker known for his refusal to sell bread made with impure ingredients. By the late 19th century the name had spread across the coast, appearing in census lists from Port Haven and █████sk.^[3] In common usage today the surname refers to any resident of the Harridge district or to descendants of the family who moved inland during the migration waves of the 1920s. The area remains a hub for traditional grain processing methods despite the introduction of various synthetic additives in the mid-20th century.^[4]

Harridge is best known for his public dispute with a merchant in 2041. The merchant advertised a special loaf made from ash and rock yeast, claiming it was a traditional recipe that would be 'lighter than air'. Harridge, a self-described skeptic, attended the event and challenged the seller to bake a single loaf using only ash and rock yeast as advertised. The demonstration took place in a public hall in Zarev and drew a crowd of several hundred.^[5] The merchant failed to produce a loaf that met the advertised standard; witnesses reported the dough remained dense and dark despite repeated attempts. The incident was covered by local reporters and later cited in The Porero Bread Swindle as an example of Harridge's reputation for challenging exaggerated claims.^[6]

After the failed demonstration, Harridge continued to work as a baker in Zarev. He is remembered locally for his insistence on using traditional grain methods and for refusing to adopt the ash-and-rock recipe even after it gained popularity among some merchants. The present Mark was born c. 2001 and took the name in 2042; he is the ninth in succession.^[7] No further public records exist beyond that date. His approach to baking was seen as a stand against the increasing industrialization of food production during the Protectorate Wars era.^[8]

The name Harridge continues to appear in local histories as a marker of skepticism and adherence to traditional methods. A small plaque bearing his name was erected near the site of the failed demonstration in 2054, though it was removed during the 2063 district redevelopment.^[9] The Harridge family still operates a bakery in Zarev today, following the same recipes that Harridge championed. The bakery serves as a testament to the enduring value placed on authentic ingredients in Rendorlin cuisine.^[10]

• The Porero Bread Swindle
• Harridge district
• Zarev
• Port Haven
• █████sk
• Rendorlin