When Good King Arthur Ruled This Land

When Good King Arthur Ruled This Land

When good King Arthur ruled this land, he was a goodly king;
He stole three pecks of barley-meal to make a bag-pudding.
A bag-pudding the king did make, and stuffed it well with plums;
And in it put great lumps of fat, as big as my two thumbs.
The king and queen did eat thereof, and noblemen beside;
And what they could not eat that night, the queen next morning fried.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Historical & Legendary, People & Characters

Tagged baking, barley, eating, fat, food, king, plum, pudding, queen, theft, thumb

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Meaning

This nursery rhyme narrates a simple and whimsical story involving the legendary King Arthur making a bag pudding. The rhyme uses a playful tone to celebrate an old English dish, connecting a familiar historical figure with everyday life. While it mentions King Arthur, it doesn’t delve into the legendary tales; instead, it focuses on a domestic scene.

Origin

First published in the mid-19th century, notably collected and edited by James Orchard Halliwell in “The Nursery Rhymes of England” (1843) and Andrew Lang’s “The Nursery Rhyme Book” (1897). The rhyme is part of English traditional nursery collections and illustrations by artists like Leslie Brooke and Walter Crane.

Time Period

Popularized in the Victorian era nursery rhyme collections, the poem remains a nostalgic piece linking children’s culture to historical figures.

Why It Became Popular

Its catchy rhythm, simple narrative, and connection to the legendary King Arthur contributed to its charm, making it memorable and enjoyable for children.

Structure and Style

Meter: Regular rhythmic cadence suitable for singing or recitation
Rhyme Scheme: ABABCDCD
Line Count: Twelve lines
Style Notes: Narrative, playful, domestic

Themes

Historical legend simplified
Food and domestic life
Royalty and festivity

Language Notes

Simple, direct language suitable for young readers, with culinary terms like “bag pudding” and everyday objects like “plums” and “fat” used to engage children.

Moral or Lesson

Not overtly moralizing, the rhyme shares historical stories and domestic traditions to connect children with cultural heritage.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme reflects Victorian interests in folklore and history, simplifying complex legends for children. Illustrations commonly depict King Arthur and domestic scenes to make history accessible to young audiences.

Notable Variants

Some variations modify the ingredients or the characters included, but the core story of King Arthur making a bag pudding remains stable through versions.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Found in traditional nursery rhyme anthologies, Victorian children’s books, and sometimes referenced in folk music and history collections.

Suggested Activities

Role Play: Act out the rhyme with children pretending to cook or eat the pudding.
Cooking Activity: Make a simple “bag pudding” or discuss traditional British foods.
Historical Exploration: Learn about King Arthur legends and separate fact from fiction.
Art Project: Create illustrations inspired by the rhyme’s imagery and era.

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