Our ancestors had a lot of processions and when a community wanted to make a statement they often did it with great drama. Lord Bute brought in a tax on cider in 1763 to help fund the ongoing Seven Years’ War. This was a potential disaster for the apple growing regions of the west country and the south east. This is from the Leeds Intelligencer, regarding Ledbury Gloucestershire:
“A procession was made through the principal parts of this town by the servants of he Cyder Merchants Coopers, Farmers, and some…
Source: Death of the Cider Industry
First Night History 
I didn’t know about the cider tax, but have some connection with the industry. In the 1970s, I worked for Bulmer’s Cider for a time. I was the central London sales rep, and could hardly give the stuff away, due to its association with street drinkers, and undesirables. However, they took on the distribution of Perrier Water, then Red Stripe Lager, so my life got easier before I left.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my favourite drink but although you can buy bottles in the supermarkets, it’s never sold in bars and tavernas, sadly!
LikeLike
Mangers has made it trendy and very popular again over here now. I accept no substitute for red wine myself…
LikeLiked by 1 person