2-914-130 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Charles the Second Knighting the Loin of Beef, drawn by Gilbert, 1854. 'The Second Charles of England Rode forth one Christmas tide, To hunt a gallant stag of ten, Of Chingford woods the pride. The wind blew keen, the snow full fast, And made for earth a pall, As tired steeds and wearied men Returned to Friday Hall. The blazing logs, piled on the dogs, Were pleasant to behold! And grateful was the steaming feast To hungry men and cold. With right good-will all took their fill, And soon each found relief; Whilst Charles his royal trencher piled From one huge loin of beef. Quoth Charles, "Odd's fish! a noble dish, Aye, noble made by me! By kingly right, I dub thee knight - Sir Loin henceforward be!" And never was a royal jest Received with such "acclaim;" And never knight than good Sir Loin More worthy of the name'. A popular belief was that a king of England knighted the loin of beef as "Sir loin". From "Illustrated London News", 1854.