'Little Jack Horner' lyrics

It is thought the nursery rhyme 'Little Jack Horner' dates back to the 18th century. The first time it appears in print is in Henry Carey's 1725 satire 'Namby Pamby' - although the lyrics differ slightly.

Who was Jack Horner?

There is thought that the rhyme was inspired by - and written in satire as a response to - the dishonest actions of Thomas Horner in the Tudor period.

'Little Jack Horner' lyrics

Little Jack Horner
Sat in the corner,
Eating his Christmas pie;
He put in his thumb,
And pulled out a plum,
And said, "What a good boy am I!"

Main image: Illustration of Little Jack Horner by William Wallace Denslow/Creative Commons