The Bells of St. Martins

Nursery Rhymes

The Bells of St. Katharines

The site of St Katherine Cree dates back to 1108 when it was served by the Augustan Priory of Holy Trinity (Christ Church).

The church of St Katharine Cree was established as a separate church in the 1200's.

It took its name from the original priory as the word 'Cree' is an abbreviation of "Christ Church".

The body of the church was rebuilt in 1631 during the years preceding the Civil War, and is one of only eight churches in the City to survive the Great Fire of London.

St Katherine Cree is located near Leadenhall market.

The market was so called as it was located, in the 14th century, around a great house which boasted a lead roof.

"Maids in white aprons" refers to the costume of the women of the early 1600's who sold the wares which included meat, game, poultry and fish.

In 1666 the market was partially destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

The Bells of St. Katharines

"Gay go up and gay go down
To Ring the Bells of London Town
"Oranges and Lemons" say the Bells of St. Clements

"Bullseyes and Targets" say the Bells of St. Margaret's

"Brickbats and Tiles" say the Bells of St. Giles

"Halfpence and Farthings" say the Bells of St. Martin's

"Pancakes and Fritters" say the Bells of St. Peter's

"Two Sticks and an Apple" say the Bells of Whitechapel

"Maids in white aprons" say the Bells at St. Katherine's

"Pokers and Tongs" say the Bells of St. John's

"Kettles and Pans" say the Bells of St. Anne's

"Old Father Baldpate" say the slow Bells of Aldgate

"You owe me Ten Shillings" say the Bells of St. Helen's

"When will you Pay me?" say the Bells of Old Bailey

"When I grow Rich" say the Bells of Shoreditch

"Pray when will that be?" say the Bells of Stepney

"I do not know" say the Great Bell of Bow

Gay go up and gay go down
To Ring the Bells of London Town

The Bells of St. Katharines

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Note: A Rhymes lyrics and the perceived origins of some Nursery Rhymes vary according to location

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