About this design
Whilst there are many culinary marvels in this world, some of which I have had the good fortune to experience. Nothing quite gives me the frisson that accompanies the prospect of eating cake. As cakes go, the Victoria Sponge (or Sandwich) is probably one of the most recognisable. A thing of simplicity and elegance, it's invention is credited to Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford and a long-standing friend of Queen Victoria. The Duchess often complained of a 'sinking feeling', usually around about four in the afternoon and so would order tea and 'breadstuffs'. After that, friends were invited to join and the formal European tea service adopted. Queen Victoria took up this growing craze when it was bought back to London and it was following Albert's death and the Queen's retreat to Osborn House on the Isle of Wight, that the cake was said to be named after her. The design reflects the Jam on top of the cream, rather than the other way round, as in the proper manner of eating a cream tea with Scones (that's scones, not scons).








