Penny bun facts for kids

A penny bun or penny loaf was a small piece of bread. It got its name because it cost one old penny. Back then, the British money system was different. One pound was equal to 240 pence!

These small loaves were very common in England. Their size was even controlled by a law from 1266 called the Assize of Bread and Ale. This law made sure that bread was sold at a fair price. The size of a penny loaf could change based on how much flour cost at the time.

What Was a Penny Bun?

A penny bun was a simple, small loaf of bread. It was a staple food for many people in England. Imagine buying a small snack for just one cent, but in old money!

The law from 1266, the Assize of Bread and Ale, was very important. It helped control the quality and price of bread and beer. This meant everyone could afford basic foods. The size of the loaf would get smaller if flour became more expensive.

Penny Buns in Rhymes and Songs

Penny buns are even part of famous old songs! The well-known nursery rhyme London Bridge Is Falling Down has a version that mentions them. It includes the line "Build it up with penny loaves."

Another old rhyme, "To Market, To Market," also talks about penny buns. The first full version of this rhyme, published in 1805, says: "To market, to market, to buy a penny bun, Home again, home again, market is done."

More Than Just Bread: Other Meanings

The phrase "penny bun" has a few other interesting meanings. In Cockney rhyming slang, which is a fun way of speaking from London, "penny bun" means "one," "sun," or "son."

Did you know "penny bun" is also the common English name for a type of mushroom? This mushroom is called a cep in French, or Boletus edulis. It's an edible fungus found in Europe and North America. It's one of the most popular mushrooms to eat in Europe!

Sometimes, "cockle to a penny bun" is used as British slang. It means racing odds of 10 to 1. So, if something is "cockle to a penny bun," it means it's very likely to happen!

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