Sandwich celebrates 250 years of its culinary namesake Residents of the Kent town of Sandwich will discover just who among them makes the best sandwich today as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the culinary creation. The current Earl of Sandwich, and other judges, will sample the final entries in the sandwich-making competition this afternoon, and announce the winner as the weekend of festivities draws to a close. The first written record of the sandwich was in 1762. It is thought the fourth earl of Sandwich invented the popular snack during a long game of cards.