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      Humpty Dumpty the Cannon, Not the Egg…

      27 February 2015 by Marketing Team

      FJG Marketing
      Cannon

      We all know the ‘Humpty Dumpty’ nursery rhyme, but I bet you didn’t know there is a chance that Colchester is the host of the tale? Rob Phillips investigates.

      The story goes that an egg called Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. One fateful day he took a tumble, cracked open and that was that. Not even the Kings men, nor his horses, could “put Humpty together again”. That is all well and good, but why would anyone attempt to fix a broken egg? By nature, a broken egg will remain broken…

      In fact, we only refer to Humpty as an egg in the first place because the 1872 novel ‘Through the Looking Glass’ by Lewis Carrol, depicts him as one. Since then, Humpty’s portrayal in popular culture has always been an egg. But before his reincarnation as an egg, where did Humpty Dumpty come from? And if not an egg, then what was he?

      The name Humpty Dumpty is now believed to refer to a large cannon used during the English Civil War (1642-1649). In 1648, towards the end of the Civil War, the then Royalist (Cavalier) fortified Town of Colchester was laid siege to by the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) in an attempt to prevent King Charles I followers from supporting his wish to rule the country without a parliament. During said siege a large cannon, known as Humpty Dumpty, was used to bombard the Parliamentary forces from the Town walls.

      However, after sustaining the attack for around a month with no significant success, the Parliamentary forces turned their attention to Humpty with cannon fire of their own. A successful shot to the foundations in which Humpty sat upon, ensured the cannon ‘had a big fall’ and came tumbling to the ground. The cannon was irretrievable by the Kings men and the town eventually fell under Parliamentarian control, who won the Civil War in 1649.

      Now, with this newfound explanation, let’s put this story into action in the traditional rhyme:

      Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall (Colchester Wall)

      Humpty Dumpty had a big fall (The wall was destroyed and Humpty fell to the ground)

      All the Kings horses and all the Kings men (The Royalists in support of King Charles I)

      Couldn’t put Humpty together again (The cannon was too large to be retrieved from the rubble)

      So next time you hear the Humpty Dumpty rhyme, or see an illustration of Humpty Dumpty the egg, just remember, there’s a little bit of Colchester history in there.

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      Fisher Jones Greenwood is the trading name of Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, a Limited Liability Partnership authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England ( Number: OC305854 ). A list of members is available for inspection at the registered office at Charter Court, Newcomen Way, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9YA

      We are open for business and working remotely

      Here at Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors we would like to reassure all our existing and future clients that even in these uncertain and difficult times we are able to assist you with your current and future legal requirements.

      Like so many others, we are constantly monitoring and acting on Government advice and guidelines and as such our offices are temporarily closed to the public. You may, if you wish, visit our offices to post any correspondence and documents through letter boxes.

      As a result of our commitment to innovation and technology, we can and are maintaining a full service, albeit remotely, with all appointments being held digitally or via the telephone. Our case management system enables us to have full access to your electronic file from any location and we have a core team of staff processing all incoming post directly onto your file so that your legal adviser can continue to work with you. We are pleased to say that we do not currently anticipate any disruption to your matter.

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      Finally, everyone at FJG would like to wish you, your families and your colleagues well throughout this current crisis.

      Best wishes
      Paula Cameron
      Managing Partner