Tom and Jerry

To the late 20th century, the term ‘Tom and Jerry’ means two famous cartoon characters (or, for a more select group, the early name for Simon and Garfunkel). The term, however, goes back much further into the regency era. In January 1821, a well-known journalist and sportswriter (sport meaning prize fighting and horse racing) called Pierce Egan wrote a monthly journal under the title: “The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq., and his elegant friend, Corinthian Tom, accompanied by Bob Logic, the Oxonian, in their rambles and sprees through the Metropolis.”

Illustrated by George and Robert Cruikshank, it was a tale of generally rakish behaviour that also became an instant success in the theatres of London, running at the Adelphi for two seasons, and being exported to France and the US.  The term ‘Tom and Jerry’ became a euphemism for riotous behaviour and was, from 1830, attached to the avalanche of small beer houses – Tom and Jerry Shops – often set up in people’s houses, that appeared in Britain after the Beer Act of 1830 freed up the market for ale. These were to continue throughout the 19th century.

The term also became attached in the US to a hot eggnog style drink, spiced with brandy and rum, probably some time in the 1830s and purportedly invented by one Jerry Thomas. The drink swept the US for well over a century, most particularly as a Christmas drink, and with ‘Tom and Jerry’ punchbowl and mug sets to drink it in.

The violent and riotous behaviour of a cat and mouse, and the 19th century punchbowls that now turn up in American antique shops, are examples of those curious echoes of history which constantly crop up, but of which we are mostly unaware.

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9 Responses to Tom and Jerry

  1. pipe wrap says:

    This post certainly illustrates some very important areas. This kind of detail should certainly educate your other readers too.

  2. David C says:

    I wondered why ‘Flashman’ (George Macdonald Fraser) mentioned Tom and Jerry

  3. Victorian taxes says:

    this makes Excise taxation much more clear.

  4. Pingback: Cups and Cups of Nostalgia | Archiving Wheeling

  5. before reading this article i am not know about Victorian Footnotes thank you so much for more info visit it

  6. David Franklin Groen says:

    a quote from the Old Baily Court records for 4th Feb 1839 trial of Richard Vincent – “Roberts lived in North-street, Whitechapel, and kept a Tom and Jerry-shop”

  7. Chris .me! says:

    That information has solved my query regards the original name (Tom and Jerry) of the White Hart public house , also known locally in my early years (1950’s as The Jerry Rails. Quite a search but very satisfying ! Cheers!

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