Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—G

Gridiron

Emblematic of St. Laurence, because in his martyrdom he was broiled to death on a gridiron. In allusion thereto the church of St. Laurence Jewry, near Guildhall, has a gilt gridiron for a vane. The gridiron is also an attribute of St. Faith, who was martyred like St. Laurence; and St. Vincent, who was partially roasted on a gridiron covered with spikes, A.D. 258. (See Escurial.)

It is said that St. Laurence uttered the following doggerel during his martyrdom:

“This side enough is roasted, turn me, tyrant, eat, And see if raw or roasted I make the better meat.”

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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