Three blind mice

I’ve lived in Christchurch for over 30 years and have always known the link between the Oxford Martyrs ( Latimer, Ridley and later Cranmer) and the squares of Christchurch. But it was only quite recently that I discovered (rediscovered?) that the nursery rhyme ‘Three Blind Mice’ was (possibly) about them. The farmer’s wife is a reference to Mary I.

The squares of Christchurch are simple affairs*: a few paths, a couple of lamp-posts, some trees and grass. There’s nothing to explain the history that lies behind the names. I used to walk to work through Cranmer Square most days for a year or so in the late ’70s. And what was Ridley Square is now known as Cathedral Square. The 18 metres high Neil Dawson sculpture ‘Chalice’ is a feature there.

*At least, Latimer and Cranmer are. Cathedral Square is quite busy. I never go there.