Is the nursery rhyme Jack and Jill based on real life events?

Question

>Jack and Jill went up the hill \nTo fetch a pail of water. \nJack fell down and broke his crown, \nAnd Jill came tumbling after. \n\n>Up Jack got, and home did trot, \nAs fast as he could caper, \nHe went to bed to mend his head (or and bound his head) \nWith vinegar and brown paper. \n\nAlternative second verse:\n\n>Up Jack got, and home did trot, \nAs fast as he could caper, \nTo old Dame Dob, who patched his nob \nWith vinegar and brown paper.\n\nAre these lyrics based on true events? Or is it a simple nonsense poem for children?

Answer 1

There are many theories on the origin of this nursery rhyme, but the one with the best fit is the theory that it has to do with King Charles I's tax on liquid measures. His goal was to raise money for ships. Parliament refused to allow the King to raise taxes, so he instead changed the measurement of the "jackpot" (about two mouthfuls - close to 3 ounces) and the "gill"(a larger measurement than a jack or jackpot). As a result of the king's constant quarrel's with Parliament, he was eventually beheaded (or lost his crown).