Rhyme and Reason Stories
by Rhyme and Reason Stories
Uncover the secret history, royal scandals, and political commentary hidden inside timeless nursery rhymes. Based on the book by Susan Ackroyd, Rhyme & Reason reveals the true stories behind the rhymes from medieval times through the 1700s. Subscribe now!
Episodes
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Episode 7: Who Was the "Poor Doggy" in Old Mother Hubbard?
In Episode 7, hosts Susan Ackroyd and Lynda Beckingham return to the 1530s as King Henry VIII’s desperate quest for a male heir and his unrequited passion for Anne Boleyn trigger a massive geopolitical shift across Europe. This episode decodes the stinging satire behind Old Mother Hubbard. Far…
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Episode 6: Why Was Little Boy Blue Asleep on the Job?
In Episode 6, hosts Susan Ackroyd and Lynda Beckingham venture into the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII as nursery rhymes take on a darker, sharper edge. The episode unravels the hidden political satire behind Little Boy Blue. While it sounds like an innocent pastoral rhyme, it was actually a...
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Episode 5: Why Did a Spanish Queen Visit a Nut Tree?
In Episode 5, hosts Susan Ackroyd and Lynda Beckingham explore the beginnings of the Tudor dynasty and the secret political meaning behind the popular verse I Had a Little Nut Tree. Susan addresses a listener's question about how oral nursery rhymes managed to survive across centuries before…
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Episode 4: The Real Whittington & His Cat
In Episode 4, hosts Susan Ackroyd and Lynda Beckingham transition from the angry political satire of earlier episodes to explore the positive story of Sir Richard Whittington, a genuine hero of the 1400s. Susan and Lynda separate folk legend from historical fact regarding the famous merchant who...
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Episode 3: The Dark History of Ring a Ring o' Roses
In Episode 3, hosts Susan Ackroyd and Lynda Beckingham delve into the grim, turbulent years of the 14th century an era defined by devastating plagues, social unrest, and popular rebellions. The episode centres on the tragic origin of one of the world's most recognisable children's singing games:...
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Episode 2: Why Did Doctor Foster Step in a Puddle?
In Episode 2, hosts Susan Ackroyd and Lynda Beckingham unpack the surprisingly dark political origins of classic rhymes. This episode focuses on the story of Doctor Foster, which wasn't a children's story at all, but a satirical jab directed at King Edward I. Susan explains how royal…
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Episode 1: Why Baa Baa Black Sheep Was Never a Children's Story
In this debut episode, author and historian Susan Ackroyd joins co-host Lynda Beckingham to explore how classic nursery rhymes were originally coded political commentary and historical records rather than simple children's stories. Susan shares how her six-decade obsession with nursery rhymes…
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About this show
Uncover the secret history, royal scandals, and political commentary hidden inside timeless nursery rhymes. Based on the book by Susan Ackroyd, Rhyme & Reason reveals the true stories behind the rhymes from medieval times through the 1700s. Subscribe now!
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Rhyme and Reason Stories