The Countess of Sandwich has recently dispelled a longstanding myth surrounding her ancestor’s creation of the beloved sandwich, a tale that has persisted for generations.

In a revealing discussion on the Daily Mail’s “Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things” podcast, historian Julie Montagu addressed the widespread but misleading story about how the sandwich came to be. She argued that the narrative was a malicious fabrication intended to tarnish the reputation of the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

John Montagu, who inherited the title of the 4th Earl of Sandwich at the tender age of ten in 1729, held the position of First Lord of the Admiralty during the tumultuous American Revolutionary War. His leadership was heavily criticized, with many holding him responsible for Britain’s disappointing loss of its North American territories.

Despite this, Montagu’s culinary legacy has far outlived his naval endeavors, with the invention of the sandwich in 1762 standing as a testament to his enduring influence.

Julie Montagu shared with podcast hosts Robert Hardman and Kate Williams that the historical portrayal of the Earl has been unjustly negative. She clarified that the truth behind his popular invention significantly differs from what is commonly believed.

Julie, who hails from America, has a personal interest in setting the record straight about the Sandwich lineage. In 2004, she became part of the noble family upon marrying Luke Montagu, the 12th Earl, who is directly descended from the sandwich’s original creator.

The Countess of Sandwich has debunked a centuries-old myth about why her ancestor invented the world’s favourite lunchtime snack

John Montagu, who became the 4th Earl of Sandwich aged just 10 in 1729, served as First Lord of the Admiralty during the American Revolutionary War

The real story behind the invention of the sandwich 

The popular tale of the sandwich’s creation has its roots in 18th-century gossip and political scandal.

French travel writer Pierre-Jean Grosley wrote in his 1772 guide to London that the sandwich was born from the Earl’s obsession with gambling.

‘This minister of state spent twenty-four hours at a public gaming table,’ Grosley wrote. ‘So absorbed in play, he had no subsistence but a bit of beef between two slices of toasted bread, which he ate without ever leaving the game.’

The story stuck, painting the Earl as a compulsive gambler rather than a hardworking statesman.

Julie insists this version of events is pure fiction, spread by the Earl’s political enemies to damage his reputation.

‘The rumour has always been that Sandwich was a big gambler,’ Julie said.

‘The myth states that, not wanting to get his playing cards greasy, he asked for a piece of meat to be placed between two slices of bread.

‘I want to set the record straight – our family’s version of the story is the correct one.

Julie told podcast hosts Robert Hardman and Kate Williams that the Earl has been unfairly maligned by history

Julie described her forebear as respected in his time, apart from the ‘little reputational dent’ he took after the Revolutionary War

‘As First Lord of the Admiralty and a great politician, the Earl often worked late at his desk. In fact, there is a famous portrait of him sitting at a desk with papers in his hand.

‘He wanted to eat while he worked, like many of us do in this day and age, but he didn’t want to get his political papers greasy. So he asked for a piece of meat to be put between two slices of bread.’

Part of the reason the sandwich myth stuck was because it chimed with other rumours of debauchery being spread about the Earl.

He was accused of having multiple mistresses after his wife, Dorothy Fane, descended into mental illness and was declared legally insane in 1767.

Historians have since argued these rumours grossly misrepresented the Earl’s character.

Julie described her forebear as respected in his time, apart from the ‘little reputational dent’ he took after the Revolutionary War.

At the time, it was assumed that Britain’s massive naval superiority would easily suppress the American revolutionaries.

‘He was really well respected, not only by the monarchy, but by his subordinates’, the Countess said.

Listen to The Last King of America, Part 2, with special guest Countess Sandwich now, wherever you get your podcasts – or on YouTube.