The Tudor Origin of the Mary Mary Quite Contrary Nursery Rhyme
by The "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" nursery rhyme is not the sweet and innocent children"s rhyme that it appears to be.
In total almost 300 people were executed on the orders of “Bloody Mary”, the majority of whom were publicly burnt at the stake, during her drive to reinstate the Roman Catholic faith back into England.
The “garden” in the nursery rhyme is in fact England, and the “growing” refers to the countless bodies of her victims being buried in town and village churchyards up and down the country.
However, Mary Tudor’s reign of terror proved to be in vain. Following her death in 1558, Elizabeth, the half-sister that she hated and despised so much, succeeded her to the throne of England. Elizabeth was a Protestant!
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For more information and useful links about another interesting aspect of English History, please visit the English Parish Churches website.
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Further church, history and railway-related articles by Charles Moorhen
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Post CommentLostash
On June 19, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Another great history lesson, hidden amongst that which we know so well. I look forward to others in this series.
Kompani
On June 19, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Nice to read about this rhyme. Over 45 years ago my village primary school headmaster used to tell us the meanings of many of the nursery rhymes and old sayings. Lovely memories. Thanks.