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This move was
necessary to reduce
problems caused by
the crowds, often
exceeding 100,000,
gathered along the
execution procession
route. This
stretched along a
three mile route
from Newgate Prison
to Tyburn and around
the Tyburn tree
itself.
As the words to the poem "Oranges and lemons" indicate the unfortunate victim would await execution on 'Death Row' and would be informed by the Bellman of St. Sepulchre by candle light 'here comes the candle to light you to bed', at midnight outside their cell, the Sunday night prior to their imminent fate, by the ringing of the 'Execution Bell' (a large hand bell) and the recitation of the following :
All you that in the
condemned hole do
lie, The executions commenced at nine o'clock Monday morning following the first toll of the tenor bell. Who would have thought that "Oranges and lemons" a childrens rhyme could have such a sinister historical connotation?
Origin of the
saying "On the
Wagon" - meaning
a person has
stopped drinking
alcohol!
Prisoners were
transported to
Tyburn Gallows
on a wagon and
were allowed one
last drink in a
pub on the way
to their
execution. If
offered a second
drink by a
sympathiser the
guard would
reply, Oranges and Lemons Poem "Oranges and lemons" say the Bells of St. Clement's |
"You owe me five farthings" say the Bells of St. Martin's |
"When will you pay me?" say the Bells of Old Bailey |
"When I grow rich" say the Bells of Shoreditch |
"When will that be?" say the Bells of Stepney |
"I do not know" say the
Great Bells of Bow
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Alternative Lyrics to Oranges and Lemons - London Bells Rhyme Oranges and Lemons Poem |
Nursery Rhymes - Lost Lyrics and Origins |
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Note: A Rhymes lyrics and the perceived origins of some Nursery Rhymes vary according to location |
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