About this episode

The episode explores the origins of the nursery rhyme 'Ring a Ring o' Roses' and its connection to the plague, prompted by a letter from an 11-year-old listener.

Getting a letter these days is pretty special, especially when it’s from an 11-year-old listener. Ellie wrote us a letter asking about the nursery rhyme Ring a Ring o' Roses, wondering if it really is about the plague. Amelia Huw Morgan, Senior lecturer in illustration in Cardiff School of Art and Design, sits down with Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) to explain the deeper story behind the nursery rhyme, how it came to be connected to the plague and the woman who made the nursery rhyme popular with children and families for generations. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Amelia Huw Morgan

Topics covered

• nursery rhymes
• plague
• history
• children's literature
• cultural stories

Keywords

• nursery rhyme
• plague
• history
• Ellie
• Amelia Huw Morgan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Books & works: Ring a Ring o' Roses

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