E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Calves’ Head Club.
Instituted in ridicule of Charles I. The great annual banquet was held on the 30th January, and consisted of a cod’s head, to represent the person of Charles Stuart, independent of his kingly office; a pike with little ones in its mouth, an emblem of tyranny; a boar’s head with an apple in its mouth to represent the king preying on his subjects; and calves’ heads dressed in sundry ways to represent Charles in his regal capacity. After the banquet, the king’s book (Icon Basil’ikë) was burnt, and the parting cup was, “To those worthy patriots who killed the tyrant.”
