INTRODUCTION
Although many people are familiar with the nursery rhyme Georgie Porgie, most are not familiar with its origin, and the truth is there is no definitive answer. Georgie Porgie is believed to be predicated on one of two historical candidates, either George Villiers or King George VI.
THE THEORY OF GEORGE VILLERS
It was rumored that George Villiers was involved in an amorous relationship with King James I and that the relationship was the impetus for the popular nursery rhyme. Villiers rise to prominence was believed to be spurred on by his romantic relationship with King James I; Villiers was made an Earl and then a Marquess, and subsequently the first Duke of Buckingham during his relationship with King James I. In fact, the King never bothered to thwart any speculation of cronyism. Instead, he proclaimed his affection for Villiers.
In addition to his romantic involvement with King James I, Villiers was also rumored to force his affections on high ranking women with privileged roles. It is believed that his behavior was the catalyst for the “kissed the girls and made them cry,” portion of the well-known nursery rhyme. Villiers’ ability to avoid confrontation and retaliation, as a result of his romantic overtures contributed to another well-known verse in the rhyme, “When the boys came out to play, Georgie Porgie ran away.”
THE THEORY OF KING GEORGE IV
Another theory concerning the history of Georgie Porgie points to King George IV, who was known for his considerable heft. King George was said to have weighed 245 pounds and required corsets that would accommodate his fifty-inch waist, hence “Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie.” King George IV had an affinity for attractive ladies; in fact, women who attended his parties were advised not to be left alone in his presence. Although King George had a wife, Caroline of Brunswick, he was rumored to have several illegitimate children, mistresses, and engage in bigamy. King George detested his wife and, much like George Villers, he would force his affections onto other women, hence the “Kissed the girls and made them cry” portion of the rhyme.
CONCLUSION
Furthermore, King George IV had a passion for bare-knuckle prizefighting, which at the time was illegal, and stood in contrast to his own physical and emotional pusillanimity. In fact, rumor has it that during an infamous prizefight, one of the contestants died from their injuries. King George was so scared of being implicated, that he made it a point to conceal his presence at the fight. In addition, he promptly left the fight once he heard about the death of one of the fighters, hence the phrase “When the boys came out to play, Georgie Porgie ran away.”
Although Georgie Porgie is a rhyme that is steeped in theory, there is no definitive answer to its history. It is, however, one of the most recognized children’s rhymes and the Georgie Porgie song is commonly used by teachers and parents.