That takes the biscuit

• The word ‘biscuit’ comes from the Latin phrase ‘bis coctus’, meaning baked twice

• For centuries, hard, unappetising sailors’ biscuits formed a vital part of seafarers’ diets. In Elizabethan times, a British sailor would be allowed 1lb of biscuits daily, together with a gallon of beer

• Other than Huntley & Palmers, British biscuit firms set up by Quakers—who, as non-conformists, were barred from many professions —included Carr’s and Jacob’s, maker of the famous cream cracker (right), plus Cadbury’s, although biscuits weren’t initially on its radar

• During the 19th century, funeral biscuits became big business for bakers. The little biscuits wrapped in ornate paper boasting printed messages from loved ones were distributed to mourners at funerals or sent on to those unable to attend

• Beatle John Lennon was such a fan of Huntley & Palmers’ Chocolate Olivers that he asked to be paid in them, rather than in cash, for an appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test