The Earl of Sandwich & the Origin of the Sandwich
John Montagu 4th Earl of Sandwich
Seated - Captain James Cook
Centre - Lord Sandwich
The origin of the word 'sandwich' for an item of food was possibly named after John Montagu who was the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
It is said that in approx.1762, he asked for meat to be served between slices of bread, to avoid interrupting a gambling game. This story may have been rumour or adverse propoganda, put about by his rivals.
Confusing Titles
Hereditary English titles can be confusing. The family of the Earls of Sandwich has no real connection to the town itself, only the title. The 1st Earl, Edward Montagu, originally intended to take the title of the Earl of Portsmouth - this may have been changed as a compliment to the town of Sandwich, because the fleet he was commanding in 1660 was lying off Sandwich, before it sailed to bring back Charles II to England.
We could be eating a 'Portsmouth' !
It is generally thought here, that the word 'sandwich' as an item of food, has no connection with the town, only with John Montagu, who happened to have the title, a 'sandwich' could just as easily have been called a 'portsmouth' if the 1st Earl, Edward Montagu, had not changed his mind.
The Sandwich Isles
Captain James Cook also named the Sandwich Isles (Hawaii) after the 4th Earl, who was his financial sponsor.
Research included information supplied by the Sandwich History Society. The image of John Montagu is from a painting by Gainsborough, the image of Capt. Cook & Lord Sandwich is from a painting by Sir Thomas Mortimer. (source: Wikimedia) The idea of the 'Portsmouth' is mine! (Author: Sue Fielder - 2000)
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