The Truth About Mother Goose

The origins of several nursery rhymes are explored. "Little Jack Horner" is based on a servant of a city official who was delivering a gift to King Henry VIII. It was customary at the time to present such gifts in pies, and in this case, the pie contained the deed to a valuable estate, which Horner stole. "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary" refers to Mary Stuart, who introduced "quite contrary" French customs to the Scottish court. After a series of failed romantic relationships, she was imprisoned. The jailer's son, who was infatuated with her, aided her escape. Following a brief but unsuccessful coup attempt, she fled to England, where her sister, Queen Elizabeth, became jealous and had her imprisoned. "London Bridge" describes the bridge completed in 1209, which quickly became a commercial and cultural hub as it was lined with shops and featured luxury apartments above them. The Great Fire of 1666 reached the bridge, but the houses were eventually rebuilt. Over time, the structure deteriorated, and by 1823, the bridge was finally demolished and replaced.