“ Oranges and Lemons say the Bells of St. Clemens.” I used to love that rhyme as a child. Then recently, (but long ago enough for me to have forgotten exactly what was said). I read something to the effect that the rhyme had something to do with prisoners being taken to execution. Not unlikely given the last line about chopping off heads!
I discovered this longer version recently too, Jan. I love it! I remember being terrified of the 'chopping off heads' bit when I played Oranges and Lemons when I was young, but in that 'loving being terrified' way. I have a book somewhere that explains the origins of children's rhymes. I will have to have a rummage for it x
“ Oranges and Lemons say the Bells of St. Clemens.” I used to love that rhyme as a child. Then recently, (but long ago enough for me to have forgotten exactly what was said). I read something to the effect that the rhyme had something to do with prisoners being taken to execution. Not unlikely given the last line about chopping off heads!
Here’s a longer version of the rhyme I found...
Gay go up and gay go down,
To ring the bells of London town.
Oranges and lemons,
Say the bells of St. Clements.
Bull's eyes and targets,
Say the bells of St. Margret's.
Brickbats and tiles,
Say the bells of St. Giles'.
Halfpence and farthings,
Say the bells of St. Martin's.
Pancakes and fritters,
Say the bells of St. Peter's.
Two sticks and an apple,
Say the bells of Whitechapel.
Pokers and tongs,
Say the bells of St. John's.
Kettles and pans,
Say the bells of St. Ann's.
Old Father Baldpate,
Say the slow bells of Aldgate.
You owe me ten shillings,
Say the bells of St. Helen's.
When will you pay me?
Say the bells of Old Bailey.
When I grow rich,
Say the bells of Shoreditch.
Pray when will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.
I do not know,
Says the great bell of Bow.
Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
Here comes a chopper to chop off your head.
Chop chop chop chop
The last man's dead!
I discovered this longer version recently too, Jan. I love it! I remember being terrified of the 'chopping off heads' bit when I played Oranges and Lemons when I was young, but in that 'loving being terrified' way. I have a book somewhere that explains the origins of children's rhymes. I will have to have a rummage for it x
We used to sing Twankydillo at my primary school in the 60s! Great article, thank you ❤️ ॐ
Thank you so much, Ian! Goodness, I would have loved to sing Twankydillo at primary school. You lucky thing!
I suppose it’s what passed for entertainment in those far-off black & white days 😂 ❤️ ॐ
I always think of the olden days as more sepia, but I might be going a bit TOO far back! Ha!