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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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