Jaffa's Sunday Corner

Cat themed reading for the discerning feline

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?

I've been in London to look at the queen.

Pussy cat, pussy cat what did you there?

I frightened a little mouse under her chair

~~Nursery Rhyme~~

origin

The origins of the "Pussycat pussycat" rhyme dates back to the history of 16th century Tudor England. One of the waiting ladies of Queen Elizabeth I had an old cat which roamed throughout the castle. On one particular occasion the cat ran beneath the throne where its tail brushed against the Queen's foot, startling her. Luckily 'Good Queen Bess' had a sense of humour and decreed that the cat could wander about the throne room, on condition it kept it free of mice!

First Published 1805 in Songs for the Nursery.