On the wagon

In London, the Old Bailey is on the site of a dreadful prison.

In olden times the prisoners sentenced to death were taken by horse and cart from the prison to Marble Arch where they were hanged.

It was a long journey with streets thronged with crowds.  The beer shops were packed with revellers heading for the show.

Along the route they would offer the driver of the cart free drinks of beer.  Sometimes they would kindly offer the accused a drink.  But the answer from the driver was always the same.

“He can’t have a drink because he is on the wagon”

And that’s where the saying on the wagon comes from for anyone who doesn’t drink or has given up alcohol.

It’s all true.

by TOG

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