First Published – The rhyme appeared in 1805 as The Comic Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog, written and illustrated by Sarah Catherine Martin while staying at Kitley House in Yealmpton, Devon.
Earlier Roots – A review in 1806 by Sarah Trimmer suggested the opening stanza was already well‑known in her childhood (born 1741), pushing its oral origins back at least 50 years.
Possible Inspirations – Some accounts say Martin based the character on an elderly housekeeper she knew; others speculate loose symbolic links to historical figures like Cardinal Wolsey, though there’s no solid evidence.
Literary Style – The original book contained 15 copper‑plate engravings and a string of humorous quatrains showing the dog in absurd situations.
📜 Meaning
Literal Narrative – A whimsical tale of a woman repeatedly trying to provide for her dog, only to return each time to find him in a comically unexpected state.
Social Context – May reflect early 19th‑century English poverty and domestic life, wrapped in absurd humour to entertain children.
Comic Tradition – Shares traits with other “nonsense” rhymes of the era, where animals act with human intelligence and wit.
🌟 Fun Facts
Extended Adventures – Beyond the famous first verse, the dog smokes a pipe, rides a goat, plays the flute, and even reads the news in later stanzas.
Musical Variant – Composer Samuel Arnold set an early version to music in 1797, though in his version Mother Hubbard was feeding children, not a dog.
Global Reach – The rhyme’s structure inspired adaptations in pantomimes, political satire, and even advertising jingles.
Tourist Spot – In Yealmpton, Devon, a cottage is still pointed out as “Mother Hubbard’s Cottage,” linked to Martin’s stay.
Old Mother Hubbard Went to the cupboard To get her poor dog a bone. When she got there The cupborad was bare So the poor little dog had none.
