Banbury story of a cock and a bull

The story

Origin unknown. Folk history claims derivation from the rivalry between two inns in Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, England, one called “The Cock” and the other called “The Bull”, where travellers would congregate to hear fanciful stories told; one such story involved travellers destined for the city of Banbury. However, there is little evidence supporting this etymology.

First known use, by meaning

• from about late 17th c. to early 19th c. A roundabout, nonsensical story.