“The Roast Beef of Old England”

Description

"When mighty roast beef was the Englishman's food, It ennobled our hearts and strengthened our blood." The singer complains about the new-fangled French ragouts, and recalls the good old days of Queen Elizabeth, the Armada -- and beef

Notes

Not, as far as I can tell, an actual folk song -- but, prior to the adoption of "God Save the King," this was as close as England, and particularly the English navy, came to having an anthem. It probably belongs here on that basis. - RBW

Historical references

  • 1558-1603 - Reign of Elizabeth (I)
  • 1588 - Voyage of the Spanish Armada

References

  1. Chappell/Wooldridge II, pp. 95-96, "The Roast Beef of Old England" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. BI, ChWII095

About

Author: Richard Leveridge (c. 1670-1758)
Earliest date: 1855 (Chappell), but known to be in use at least a century before that
Keywords: food royalty battle
Found in: Britain(England)