What is the nursery rhyme 'Oranges and Lemons' about?

According to http://www.rhymes.org/uk Short answer: it is about 17th century prisons and executions. Long answer: The origin of the words to "Oranges and lemons" - strange & sinister! read more

The exact date of origin is unknown but there was a Square Dance called 'Oranges and Lemons' dating back to 1665, unfortunately there are no known record of the lyrics which accompanied the dance but is likely that the words were similar to that of the nursery rhyme. read more

"Oranges and Lemons" is a traditional English nursery rhyme and singing game which refers to the bells of several churches, all within or close to the City of London. It is listed in the Roud Folk Song Index as No 13190. read more

The first published record of Oranges and Lemons dates back to 1744 in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book, although it’s fair to assume it had been in circulation for some time before then. There is a reference to a square dance with the same name in a 1665 publication, but it’s not clear if that relates to the rhyme. read more