Spicy meat-and-fruit pies were traditionally baked for Christmas in England in times past. They were rectangular, to remind one of the manger, and the spices symbolized the gifts of the Magi.

One year, King Henry VIII's Christmas pies were being escorted to the castle by Jack Horner. The temptation was too great, and he thrust a finger into one, hoping to snag a plum. What he struck was paper—the title deeds to twelve manors that were secretly being transported inside the crust.

A nursery rhyme was born.

Elmer