Season 3: Episode 14 - Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross

In this episode of the "A Tisket-Tasket" podcast, host Gina explores the enchanting nursery rhyme "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross." Delving into its rich history, origins, and various interpretations, she uncovers the rhyme's connections to Banbury, England, and its enduring appeal across generations. Join Gina as she reveals the intriguing stories behind the fine lady on the white horse and the cultural significance of this beloved rhyme, culminating in a delightful rendition from 1929.

Transcript

Gina: 1:44

Hello and welcome to the A Tisket-Tasket Podcast, where I explore the enchanting world of nursery rhymes and their fascinating histories. I'm your host, Gina, and today we are diving deep into the delightful nursery rhyme "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross." This rhyme, indexed as number 21,143 in the folk song archive, has a rich and intriguing history and has been a beloved favorite among children for generations. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's embark on this journey. To begin, let's talk about the origins of "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross." The earliest known version of this rhyme was published in 1784 in a collection called "Gammer Gurton's Garland," which should be familiar to anyone who's listened to an episode of this podcast before. However, variations of the rhyme existed even earlier, with references dating back to the 1740s. This shows just how long this charming tune has been part of the cultural fabric. The rhyme is closely associated with the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire, England. Banbury was known for its three medieval crosses, which served as important landmarks and focal points for public events. The most famous of these was the High Cross, which stood proudly in the market square. Unfortunately, this cross was destroyed in 1600 by Puritan iconoclasts, but its legacy lives on in the rhyme. In 1859, a new Banbury Cross was erected to commemorate the marriage of Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, to Prince Frederick William Lewis of Prussia. This modern cross features a beautiful design and stands as a symbol of Banbury's rich heritage. The inscription on the cross, "Dominus Nobi," translates to "The Lord is our sun and shield," serving as a lovely reminder of the town's history and its connection to the nursery rhyme. Now let's take a closer look at the rhyme itself. The most recognized version goes: "Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross, To see a fine lady upon a white horse. Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, And she shall have music wherever she goes." This version paints a vivid picture of a lady upon a white horse adorned with rings and bells. But who is this fine lady? There are several theories about her identity. Some suggest she could be Lady Godiva, known for her legendary ride through Coventry. Others propose that she might be Queen Elizabeth I, a prominent figure during the time the rhyme gained popularity. Another interesting candidate is Celia Fiennes, a notable traveler and writer in the late 17th century who documented her journeys across England. The ambiguity of the fine lady has led to much speculation, which is part of what makes this rhyme so intriguing. Furthermore, older versions of this rhyme suggest that it wasn't a fine lady at all. Instead, some of the older versions feature an old hag riding the horse, which adds an interesting twist. Now let's talk about the phrase "cock horse." This term has various interpretations. It can refer to a child's hobby horse, a spirited horse used for riding, or even a horse that assists in pulling a cart. The flexibility of this term adds another layer to the charm of the rhyme. Interestingly, the phrase "to ride a cock horse" was used as early as the 1540s, indicating that the rhyme likely has roots in playful childhood activities, much like how we might sing nursery rhymes today while playing with children. As we explore the variations of the rhyme, we find that it has undergone many changes over the years. For instance, one version mentions buying little Johnny a galloping horse, while another focuses on a strange old woman instead of a fine lady. Another example of a nursery rhyme that may have started as "Ride a Cock Horse" is one published in "Tommy Thumb's Pretty Songbook," which goes: "Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross, To see what Tommy can buy. A penny white loaf, a penny white cake, And a two-penny apple pie." The pastry cake of Banbury has been renowned for several centuries. Berry cakes, referred to in 1586, are made with mixed peel, biscuit crumbs, currants, allspice, eggs, and butter, folded into a circle of puff pastry. When in Banbury, it is worth visiting 12 Parson Street, the original Banbury cake shop, to try one. This adaptability shows the rhyme's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with different audiences. It also illustrates how oral tradition changes different versions of nursery rhymes. In the 19th century, nursery rhymes about Banbury became particularly popular, largely due to the efforts of local printer Joseph Rusher. His energy and dedication helped bring the charm of Banbury's nursery rhymes to a wider audience, ensuring that they would be cherished for generations to come. Rusher's influence on the printing and distribution of nursery rhymes played a significant role in their popularity, and "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross" was no exception. It became a staple of children's literature, often recited and sung in homes across England. Furthermore, Rusher took quite the liberty with any nursery rhymes he could get away with; if he could change the name of a place or town, he changed it to Banbury. That's why there are so many nursery rhymes in English children's literature that reference the area—because this printer was very prolific in publishing children's literature and wanted to showcase the wonders of his town. In fact, the Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes has quite a bit to say about this nursery rhyme. They note that the commonly known wording today differs from earlier versions, which describe the lady as an old woman. In 1784, she was depicted as "the strangest old woman that you ever saw," and in later editions, she was described as having "a ring on her finger and a bonnet of straw." The rhyme has appeared in various forms, including references to Coventry Cross in some 19th-century books. Determining the likely age of the rhyme and the identity of the lady is quite challenging. The rhyme may have been referred to as early as 1725. The term "cock horse" has been used to describe a proud, high-spirited horse, as well as the additional coach horse attached when going uphill. A writer in the Sunday Times in November 1930 noted that it was customary during the latter half of the 18th century for travelers to Banbury and Birmingham to observe a group of children clustered at the foot of Stanmore Hill, waiting to see the be-ribboned and elegant horse attached to the coach. The phrase "to ride a cock horse" is usually taken to refer to straddling a toy horse or a grown-up's knee, and it has been used in this sense since the 1540s. Katherine Thomas, in her writings about Mother Goose, described a memorable incident where, standing beside her mother, she sang "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross." Her mother remarked with certainty that the old woman on the white horse was Queen Elizabeth, showcasing how deeply ingrained these stories are in popular tradition. Another prevalent story suggests that the lady referred to in the rhyme is the famous wife of the Earl of Mar, Lady Godiva, while a third candidate is Celia Fiennes, the daughter of a parliamentary officer and sister of the third Viscount Say and Sele. She made many rides on horseback throughout England around 1697. The original wording of the rhyme has been suggested to be "Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross to see a Pious lady." However, the 19th-century Baron Say and Sele, whose family seat is still at Broughton Castle, suspected that his father, a noted wit and author of the autobiography "Hearsay," invented the "Pious lady" version. The impact of "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross" extends beyond just being a nursery rhyme. It has made its way into various forms of popular culture. For instance, the rhyme has been referenced in literature, music, and even television. In the 19th century, it was often included in children's books and song collections, helping to solidify its place in the hearts of young readers. Notably, the rhyme has appeared in works by authors like William McPeake Stackery, who compared characters to the old woman of Banbury Cross in his historical novel "Henry Mond." In more recent times, the rhyme has been adapted and parodied in various ways. For example, the punk band The Specials included a playful reference to the rhyme in their cover of "Monkey Man," where they sing about a monkey on a white horse. This modern twist shows how nursery rhymes can evolve and remain relevant in contemporary culture. Additionally, the rhyme has inspired local businesses, such as the Banbury Cross Donut Shop, which was named after the nursery rhyme, further embedding it into local culture and the economy. As we reflect on this nursery rhyme, we see not just a simple rhyme, but a piece of history that connects us to the past. It's a reminder of the stories and traditions that shape our culture and the joy that nursery rhymes bring to both children and adults. The rhyme's ability to adapt and resonate with different generations speaks to its timeless nature. Whether sung in a nursery, recited in a classroom, or referenced in pop culture, "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross" continues to delight and inspire. Before I let you go today, I'm going to play a wonderful record from 1929 from Zopone Records. The singer on the record is Louis James, a prolific nursery rhyme and children's song singer whose work I've mentioned and used in the past. I'm going to play the whole record, which is two minutes and 45 seconds long, and it includes a rendition of "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross."