During the late 16th century, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a peculiar piece of legislation was enacted that prohibited the cooking and consumption of boiled meat throughout the forty days of Lent. This rule was applied universally, with no exceptions made for the sick or infirm, who traditionally might have been allowed a more lenient diet due to their health conditions. Lent, a period marked by fasting and penance in the Christian calendar, was strictly observed in England, with variou