what is this rhyme's origin?
The oldest extant version could be that recalled by a correspondent to the "Gentleman's Magazine" in 1823, which he claimed to have heard from a woman who was a child in the reign of Charles II .
London Bridge Is Falling Down
The oldest extant version could be that recalled by a correspondent to the "Gentleman's Magazine" in 1823, which he claimed to have heard from a woman who was a child in the reign of Charles II (
story behind the nursery rhyme london bridge is falling down UNANSWERABLE
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London Bridge Is Falling Down [SEP] Origins
Widespread familiarity with the rhyme is suggested by its use by Henry Carey in his satire "Namby Pamby" (1725), as: "Namby Pamby" is no Clown, London Bridge is broken down: Now he courts the gay Ladee Dancing o'er The Lady-Lee. The oldest extant version could be that recalled by a correspondent to the "Gentleman's Magazine" in 1823, which he claimed to have heard from a woman who was a child in the reign of Charles II (r. 1660–85) and had the lyrics: