Hickory Dickory Dock Originsĭuring the years of 1649 to 1658, Britain was ruled by Oliver Cromwell as the Lord Protector of the republic. Some say this counting method may, in fact, be part of the rhyme’s origin.Įver wondered about Humpty Dumpty’s backstory? We’ve got you covered. Nineteenth-century sheep farmers in Northwest England counted their herd using Hevera(8), Devera(9), and Dick(10) from the ancient Cumbric language. One is from the UK and one is popular in the USA. There are at least two different tunes for the song. Parents and teachers use it to introduce elementary students the basics of telling time. The sounds of the poem mimic an old clock ticking and chiming in the hall. Your version may read “and down he run,” “and down he ran,” “down the mouse ran,” or “down the mouse run.” Whatever words you remember, there is more to the story of Hickory, Dickory, Dock. The nursery rhyme has been retold in countless versions and has delighted millions over the centuries. Yes, it is familiar, yet the history of this poem is far from simple.

The nursery rhyme “Hickory Dickory Dock” brings back memories of simple times as a child.

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