Ease, satisfaction and taste – John Montagu foreshadowed the requirements of the modern consumer when he asked for his first sandwich. Whilst he certainly found time to gamble, he also had his hands full in his roles as a naval officer, postmaster general, and member of the House of Lords. Read more about his background here.

Sandwiches remain a convenient mealtime staple, as well as appearing in many gourmet guises across different cultures. An integral part of the appeal of a sandwich is the malleability of the formula: they present an opportunity for personalizing our food without having to spend too much time.

For a detailed history of the sandwich and some unusual old recipes, visit this site. You can also read more on the origins of a beloved meal here. Note the author’s emphasis on the importance of the invention of the bread slicing machine during the 1920’s – a development the impatient Earl of Sandwich would no doubt have appreciated.