Gambling and eating

John Montagu, (1718-1792) the Fourth Earl of Sandwich in England, had many vices, among which was gambling. Once when playing in a 48 hour long card game, which was not unusual for him, Lord Sandwich was so caught up in the action that he ordered a servant to bring him a slice of cold beef between two slices of bread. Thus he was able to eat with one hand and continue to play cards with the other. In time other card players and gamblers adapted Lord Sandwich’s inventive way of eating and the “sandwich” was born.