Scarborough warning

[andjac]

I know it means 'It's your last warning!' but why Scarborough?

[rekstout]

A Scarborough Warning used to mean a warning that was given in retrospect - e.g. after the punishement had been administered.

Apparently got it's name from the swift justice meted out to criminals in Scarborough in years gone past but also may be from the capture of Scarborough castle which occurred before the townsfolk were even warned of an impending attack.

http://www.bartleby.com/81/14968.html

[andjac]

It just goes to show how wrong I can be on a regular basis! thanks very much rekstout