Who invented the sandwich? The name is said to be due to the 4th Earl of Sandwich (died 1792); who had meat or fish placed between two slices of bread; so that he might eat food without interrupting his gaming - the card table held greater attractions for him than the dining table. The Earl was a member of the Hell-Fire Club; and in addition to the sandwich; he gave his name to the Sandwich Islands. He also made himself notorious in other ways; and won from the populace the title of "Jemmy Twitcher". Illustration for one of a set of 50 "Do You Know?" cigarette cards issued by Carreras in 1939.