The sandwich was named for John Montague (1718 - 1792), the fourth Earl of Sandwich. Montague's most lasting achievement came in 1762, when "The Earl", who was known as a notorious gambler, once spent 24 hours straight at a gambling table. Instead of taking time out to eat a set meal, he had servants bring him sliced meat between two slices of bread. The sandwich was born! Apparently, "The Earl" was on a roll. Now, after more that 300 years, the sandwich is still the single most popular, most versatile, most convenient, most creative fast food in the world.