THE PODCAST
Episode 7: 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 from a harmless tale about a dog and a cupboard, the rhyme was a direct political jab at Cardinal Thomas Wolsey ("Old Mother Hubbard") being tasked by King Henry VIII ("the poor doggy") to go to the Papal "cupboard" to fetch a "bone" a papal annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Susan and Lynda break down the European power struggles, the role of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Wolsey's tragic downfall, and how this failed annulment catalysed the English Reformation.
Can’t attend a talk in person? We’ve got you covered!
Watch the full presentation from Hay-on-Wye, where Susan dives into the secret origins, royal scandals, and 600 years of hidden history buried inside classic nursery rhymes. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and experience the talk right from the comfort of your own home!
AUTHOR · SPEAKER · PODCAST HOST
The mystery and history behind the nursery rhymes we grew up with.
Susan Ackroyd uncovers the mystery, history and political intrigue hidden within traditional nursery rhymes.
Drawing on a lifelong passion for history, language and storytelling, her acclaimed book Rhyme & Reason, podcast and public talks invite readers to look beyond the familiar verses and discover the remarkable stories that may have inspired them.
Small rhymes. Remarkable histories.
For generations, nursery rhymes have been passed from one voice to another. Their words are familiar, but the worlds behind them may contain royal rivalries, religious conflict, political satire, social commentary and fragments of everyday life.
Susan follows the clues through English history and invites us to look again at the verses we thought we knew.
Mystery
Where did these familiar words begin?
History
What was happening in the world
around them at that time?
Memory
Why have they remained with us for generations?
THE BOOK
Discover Rhyme & Reason.
The rhymes may be short, but their histories are anything but simple.
In Rhyme & Reason, Susan Ackroyd explores the possible origins, historical settings and surprising interpretations connected with traditional nursery rhymes. Written for curious general readers, the book opens a doorway into English history through words many of us have known since childhood. Ideal for book lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone who has ever wondered where our nursery rhymes came from.
EVENTS & SPEAKING
Discover Susan’s upcoming talks and appearances
Susan’s illustrated talks combine historical research, humour and the pleasure of recognising rhymes remembered from childhood.
Her presentations are ideal for libraries, U3A groups, Probus clubs, historical societies, book clubs, festivals and curious general audiences.
IN CONVERSATION
Interviews, articles and podcast appearances.
Susan has shared the stories behind Rhyme & Reason through radio interviews, newspaper articles, public conversations and live events.
