Humpty Dumpty Nursery Rhyme
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again!
- Humpty Dumpty History
Humpty Dumpty was a powerful cannon during the English Civil War (1642-49). It was mounted on top of the St. Mary’s at the Wall Church in Colchester defending the city against siege in the summer of 1648. (Although Colchester was a Parliamentarian stronghold, it was captured by the Royalists who held it for 11 weeks.) The church tower was hit by the enemy and the top of the tower was blown off, sending “Humpty” tumbling to the ground. Naturally the King’s men* tried to mend him but in vain.
* The “men” would have been infantry, and “horses” the cavalry troops.
- From the East Anglia Tourist Board in England
Nursery Rhymes are used to teach very small children and babies how to talk and read. Humpty Dumpty is a favorite poem but there are so many more! Check out our special page dedicated to nursery rhymes and if you have speakers, turn them on, to hear the song!