Is this Christmas pudding sent to sailors fighting in the Boer War the oldest in the world?
Along with holly, mistletoe, reindeers, mince pies and pigs in blankets, Christmas pudding is one of the staples of the festive season.
It is thought they were first sent to British sailors fighting overseas during the Boer War as a Christmas gift – and one of the originals still survives to this day.
On display at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Christmas pudding is tucked away in a now-delicate tin.
Navy supporter Aggie Weston commissioned the Peak Frean Biscuit company to manufacture 1,000 puddings to be shipped out to the naval personnel fighting in the Boer War.
The pudding has been on show at the museum for 12 years after being donated by someone who had had it in their cupboard for 40 years.
It is unclear why it was never eaten – perhaps because it was a Temperance pudding without any alcohol to plump up the fruit.
As far as anyone knows, it could be the oldest Christmas pudding in the world.
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