Medieval Songs, Oranges and Lemons

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 exact date of origin is unknown but there was a Square Dance called 'Oranges and Lemons' dating back to 1665, unfortunately there are no known record of the lyrics which accompanied the dance but is likely that the words were similar to that of the nursery rhyme.

The neighbourhood names relate to some of the many churches of London and the tune that accompanies the lyrics emulates the sound of the ringing of the individual church bells.

Music Songs Ring a ring a roses Oranges and Lemons Jerusalem Rule Britannia Ding Dong Bell The Grand old Duke of York Land of Hope and Glory London Bridge is falling down God save the queen Baa baa black sheep Goosey Goosey Gander Rhymes