Sneaky's Daily Did You Know....? - It's Only Words

The term "Dutch Courage" dates fro the bubonic plague in the 17th century. To avoid contamination, the city of London was sealed off and therefore no food was getting in. The only people prepared to trade with London were the Dutch who used to sail up the Thames, leave food supplies on jetties and take the money which had been left there. Before landing on Britain's plague-infested shores, the sailor used to steel their nerves with liquor - hence Dutch courage. The Dutch were later rewarded with the freedom of the Thames - a concession the still hold to this day.