The History of Sunday Lunch

The Sunday roast is a beloved British tradition that has been enjoyed by families for centuries and is still such a pivotal part of lots of Brits weekly routine. Historically, it is a meal that brings people together on a Sunday afternoon with a large roasted joint of meat served alongside potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Below we’re going to explore the history of the Sunday roast, including its origin, the reason it was first introduced, and how it has evolved over time. We will also take a closer look at the original ingredients used in the beloved Sunday roast and how it is enjoyed in modern days, as well as highlighting some of the best places to enjoy a Sunday roast in the New Forest!

When did the Sunday Roast originate?

The Sunday roast has been a part of British (and Irish) culture since roughly the 15th century with many different stories claiming to know the origin. One thing for sure is that the roast has always been tied to Sundays with lots of prevalence on attending church or following faith related practices. 

Some accounts recall the history of a Sunday roast originating under King Henry VII’s reign around 1485, around the time Royal Guards were known as ‘Beefeaters’. Another account details how a Sunday roast came about due to village serfs serving 6 days a week. On the sunday, after church, there would be battle practices, and if they performed well, they would be rewarded with roasted ox. 

Why did the Sunday Roast originate?

It is believed to have originated in mediaeval times when folks of certain faiths, such as Aglicans and Roman Catholics would abstain from eating meat on certain days. As a day of celebration, a roast would be fine to have been eaten on a Sunday and therefore birthed a tradition. 

Poorer families wouldn’t have the privilege of an oven and would instead use the bakery ovens. On a Sunday no bread would be baked and therefore they could drop off their roasts at bakeries and allow them to cook while attending church and pick them up after to enjoy. 

Where did the Sunday Roast originate?

The origin of the Sunday roast is not clear, all we really know is that it became a tradition adopted across the UK. However no individual county, town or city can claim to have been the birthplace of the Sunday roast. 

Why are roast dinners typically on a Sunday?

Roast dinners have typically been eaten on Sundays in Britain and Ireland due to long standing religious history. For centuries, Sunday has been considered a day of rest and worship, with families attending church in the morning before returning home for a special meal that could have been cooking all morning while at church. Thus, the Sunday roast combined religious notions, an easy meal to cook while at church, and celebration using up seasonal veg for a hearty dinner surrounded by family. 

The Sunday roast became a way to mark the day and celebrate the family’s religious beliefs. Today, even though many people may not follow the same religious customs, the tradition of the Sunday roast has remained a popular part of British culture and families still gather on Sundays to share a roast dinner together at home or out at the pub. 

Original Sunday roast ingredients

A traditional sunday roast would have been far less frivolous than some are today, but still delicious. The mediaeval Sunday roasts would have used a simple joint of roasting meat such as chicken or beef, some potatoes and whatever seasonal veg could be found. Likely carrots, turnips, parsnips and cabbage. The juices of the meat would have been used for gravy and the Yorkshire pudding wasn’t invented until the late 1700’s which is when it may have first graced our plates on a sunday. 

The modern day Sunday Roast

While the ingredients of the Sunday roast have remained largely the same over the centuries: meat, carrots, parsnips, gravy, potatoes, there have been some changes to the way the meal is prepared and served. Today, many families will add additional ingredients such as Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and even cauliflower cheese in recent years, to their roast dinner.

Vegetarians and vegans may also enjoy a meat-free roast made with ingredients such as nut roasts or seitan.

Sunday Roasts in The New Forest

While the Sunday roast history is a bit unclear, more or less every British person can agree that they have loved a Sunday roast on a traditional Sunday. Afterall, it is something we are very much known for. If you are visiting the New Forest you can enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at our fantastic onsite restaurant The Drift. You can choose between delicious New Forest sirloin, Hampshire sirloin, salmon or a lovely veggie wellington, alongside traditional roasted vegetables, potatoes, yorkshire pudding and gravy.