Published 1805 | Writer(s) Sarah Catherine Martin | |
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"Old Mother Hubbard" is an English-language nursery rhyme, first printed in 1805 and among the most popular publications of the nineteenth century. The exact origin and meaning of the rhyme is disputed. It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 19334. The first published version by Sarah Catherine Martin, wife of a Plymouth Royal Naval Officer is associated with an historic cottage in Yealmpton, Devon close by where Martin was staying.
Contents
Lyrics
The lyrics originally published in 1805 have remained largely unchanged.
Origins
A version by Sarah Catherine Martin (1768–1826) first recited while staying with her sister Judith Ann Martin, Mrs. John Pollexfen Bastard at Kitley House Yealmpton in Devon was published as The Comic Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog by J. Harris of London, June 1, 1805. She claimed that she only drew the accompanying illustrations and the version may have been based on earlier material. The name Mother Hubbard was used as a character from 1591, although the surviving works that include her do not bear any relationship to the rhyme. A very similar rhyme 'Old Dame Trot' was published in 1803, but since the language in 'Old Mother Hubbard' appears more archaic it is not clear that it was derived from this verse. It has been argued that the first stanza is older than the others, because it uses a different meter, so it is possible that Martin expanded on an existing first verse, using 'Old Dame Trop' as a model. The book was immediately popular, possibly in part because it was believed to be a political commentary.
The "Dame Trot" version (cited by Panati as titled "Old Dame Trot, and Her Comical Cat"), is as follows:
"Dame Trot" was published by one T. Evans one year before that of Sarah Catherine Martin.
Meaning
The book was immediately popular, possibly in part because it was believed to be a political commentary, but it is not clear exactly what readers thought was being satirised. It has been suggested that the character of Mother Hubbard may have its origins in St. Hubert, the patron saint of dogs. It has also been suggested that the rhyme refers to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey refusing Henry VIII's divorce from Queen Catherine of Aragon, but the connection is based on speculation.
In Popular Culture
The song is featured in The Tailor of Gloucester episode of The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends