Part 6/9:
Delving into the history of simnel cake steers us into a maze of folklore and potential factual undercurrents. One theory traces the name to the Latin "simila conspersa," which translates to “fine white flour,” signaling a strong bread connection rather than a pastry. This might have historical roots that go as far back as the Chronicle of Battle Abbey.
Another fascinating narrative involves the infamous King Richard III and the alleged murder of his nephews—a twisty tale attributing connection to a boy named Lambert Simnel. Despite the political strife surrounding him, Simnel was said to have developed the cake that bore his name.