Thor, tharf or even thar cakes have existed for centuries. They pre-date Guy Fawkes significantly, most likely dating back to pagan festivals to mark the first day of winter. Back then, they would have been much simpler affairs lacking in butter, eggs and black treacle. The vital link between the pagan winter festivals and Guy Fawkes night celebrations is the bonfire. It seems that Guy Fawkes celebrations simply adopted the pagan winter ritual of eating celebratory Thor cake around the bonfire. Over time the ancient tharf cake recipes evolved to become the sweet and moreish delicacies we enjoy today. Thor cake is Derbyshire's localised version of parkin cake which is traditionally eaten on Guy Fawkes Night in Yorkshire and Lancashire.