London Bridge is Falling Down: The Mysterious Story Behind the Popular Nursery Rhyme
If you grew up in an English-speaking country, chances are you’ve heard the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” The catchy tune and repetitive lyrics have been passed down from generation to generation, but have you ever wondered about the story behind it?
Origins of the Rhyme
While the exact origins of the rhyme are unknown, historians believe it dates back to at least the 17th century. One theory suggests that it was inspired by the numerous collapses and reconstructions of London Bridge throughout history. The bridge, which spans across the River Thames, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries due to natural disasters, fires, and wars.
The Viking Connection
Another theory suggests that the rhyme may have originated as a Viking war chant. According to this theory, when Viking invaders attempted to attack London in the 11th century, they found it difficult to break down London Bridge. Instead of attacking head-on, they resorted to digging tunnels underneath it and weakening its foundation.
“My Fair Lady” Connection
Interestingly enough, there is also a connection between “London Bridge is Falling Down” and the musical “My Fair Lady.” In one of its most famous songs “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” Eliza Doolittle sings about selling flowers under “the bower where we’ll be safe from a shower.” This line is believed to be a reference to an old belief that building a bower on London Bridge would protect people from rain.
The Darker Interpretation
While these theories offer interesting insights into the origin of “London Bridge is Falling Down,” there is also a darker interpretation of the rhyme. Some people believe that it was originally a chant used by child sacrifices during bridge-building ceremonies. According to this theory, children were buried alive within the bridge’s foundation to protect it from collapse.
The Evidence
While there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, there have been several discoveries of human remains near London Bridge over the years. In 1993, during an excavation for a new building, the skeletons of three young children were found buried underneath the bridge’s northern abutment. The origin and purpose of these remains remain a mystery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “London Bridge is Falling Down” may have originated as a harmless nursery rhyme, but its true meaning and origins remain shrouded in mystery. While some theories suggest that it was inspired by historical events or Viking invasions, others believe it has darker origins involving child sacrifices. Regardless of its true meaning, the rhyme has certainly stood the test of time and remains an iconic part of English folklore.