http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:SqAa_edsCU4J:whatscookingamerica.net/Cake/plumpuddingTips.htm+plum+pudding,+history&hl=en
Heck, jimmyt, I thought it was because they made the stuff outta lead. Always thought it was from the Latin--plumbum. Live and learn.