Kings and Queens of England

[liz budd]

Can you complete the rhyme: Willie,Willie, Harry, Ste: Harry, Dick, John, Harry three

[andy hughes]

The poem, known as a Mnemonic Poem, has been used by students to remember the monarchs of England from William the Conqueror to the present day. It runs as follows: Willie Willie Harry Stee Harry Dick John Harry three; One two three Neds, Richard two Harrys four five six ... then who? Edwards four, five, Dick the bad, Harrys (twain), Ned six (the lad); Mary, Bessie, James you ken, Then Charlie, Charlie, James again ... Will and Mary, Anna Gloria, Georges four, Will four Victoria; Edwards seven next, and then Came George the fifth in nineteen ten; Ned the eighth soon abdicated Then George six was cornoated After which Elizabeth And that's all folks until her death.

[Vimto]

I have a slightly different version which our headmaster at Broughton C of E Primary school near Preston Lancs. made us learn when we were 10 years old. I would like to dedicate it to his memory, the wonderful George Smithies.
Willy Willy Harry Stee
Harry Dick John Harry three
One Two Three Neds Richard two
Henry four five six then who?
Edwards four five Dick the bad
Harry's twain and Ned the lad
Mary Bessie James the vain
Charlie Charlie James again
William and Mary Anna Gloria
Four Georges William and Victoria
That was as far as it went