Sue wrote: <This is actually one of those unfortunately wide-spread "urban myths." The problem with UM's, of course, is that they *sound* plausible, even if they turn out to be inaccurate or out-right false. See this link for more info: http://www.snopes.com/language/literary/rosie.htm --sue>
Without much effort I found the following UK web sites which say that the rhyme is to do with the plague: http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/bulletin_board/5/messages/1479.html http://www.historiclondonpubs.co.uk/punch.html http://www.prayingeachday.org/Sept07.pdf http://www.a-london-guide.co.uk/information/default.asp?type=articles&subtyp e=details&subareaID=1&attractionID=47 http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/a_brief_history_of_london.htm I'm sure there are equally as many which say it isn't. Most nursery rhymes were handed down by word of mouth before being written down. The words may have been corrupted through the years, but I think it's generally accepted that most nursery rhymes have their origins in events in history: "London Bridge is falling down....." attacks by Vikings in the 10 hundreds "Remember, Remember the 5th of November....." the gunpowder plot 1605, etc Jean in Poole To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
