Bell Horses
This traditional English rhyme is a short, rhythmic chant used as a counting or timing game. The rhyme’s origin is likely tied to the working animals—specifically, the lead pack or coach horses that wore bells to alert others to their approach.
Bell horses, bell horses,
What time of day?
One o’clock, two o’clock,
Time to away.
…
Bell horses, bell horses,
What time of day?
Three o’clock, four o’clock,
Time to away.
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What is the Meaning of the ‘Bell Horses’ Nursery Rhyme?
“Bell Horses” is a simple, rhythmic rhyme originating as a children’s game song and playful chant. It references “bell horses”—the lead horses on pack teams and carriages that wore bells, both for decoration and as a warning to others when traveling on narrow or hazardous routes. The rhyme closely mimics the rhythmic sound and communal experience of these journeys, and was also used to start races or running games in playgrounds.
History and Origin of the Rhyme
The rhyme appears in 18th- and 19th-century English collections and game manuals, often in the context of traditional packhorse trails in hilly regions. The use of bells on horses was once common in England, signifying the importance of horses for trade and transport, especially before paved roads made wagons practical.
Time Period
First documented in print in the late 1700s, and widely sung and played in English-speaking cultures throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Historical or Cultural Notes
Bell horses were essential for trade across England’s hilly countryside. The rhyme also preserves memories of ancient packhorse highways, many of which remain as walking trails today. Used to start children’s races, the chant still evokes movement and shared anticipation.
Why It Became Popular
Its musical cadence and counting structure made it a natural fit for children’s circle, skipping, and racing games. The rhyme captures both the excitement of travel and the festive soundscape of old British marketplaces and fairs.
Notable Variants
Variants include “Good horses, bad horses, what is the time of day?” or additional numbers and lines for extended play. Some regions substitute “bells” for “race” horses or add lines about returning or staying.
Structure, Style, and Themes
Structure and Style
- Meter: Simple, repetitive, march-like rhythm
- Rhyme Scheme: ABCC
- Line Count: Four lines (standard version; can be extended with counting)
- Style Notes: Counting rhyme, game song
Themes
- Travel and movement
- Teamwork and excitement
- Traditional crafts and rural life
Language Notes
Uses the naming of hours and direct questions to encourage counting and participation. The phrase “time to away” is an old-fashioned way to say “time to go,” matching the rural, historic setting.
Moral or Lesson
No direct moral; intended for communal play, coordination, and enjoyment of rhythm and movement.