The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #380   Message #1082650
Posted By: Ed.
30-Dec-03 - 04:00 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Three Blind Mice
Subject: RE: Three Blind Mice
According to a number of websites:

"the words to the Three blind mice rhyme are based in English history. The 'farmer's wife' refers to the daughter of King Henry VIII, Queen Mary I. Mary was a staunch Catholic and her violent persecution of Protestants led to the nickname of 'Bloody Mary'. The reference to 'farmer's wife' in Three blind mice refers to the massive estates which she, and her husband King Philip of Spain, possessed. The 'three blind mice' were three noblemen who adhered to the Protestant faith who were convicted of plotting against the Queen."

I would however suggest that this fanciful nonsense, similar to the idea of "Ring a ring of roses" being about the black death.