‘Humpty Dumpty house’ that inspired famous nursery rhyme up for sale
The house that may have inspired the famous nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty is up for sale.
The Old Mill in Cawood, near Selby, Yorkshire is going on the market and has been described as “a hidden gem”.
Supposedly situated at the start of the “Wolsey Walk” named after statesman Cardinal Wolsey, the five-bedroom house is built on the site of the much older mill.
The house, which is located above the banks of the River Ouse, is thought to date back to the 1800s and is on the market for £650,000.
The traditional children’s rhyme may have been inspired when in 1530 statesman Cardinal Wolsey died after bumping his head boarding a royal barge.
Legend has it the barge was moored on the waterway at the foot of the Cawood property’s garden.
Wolsey was being transported back to London after receiving the ire of former friend King Henry VIII. The exact origin of the nursery rhyme has been disputed.
However, the story has been featured in many different adaptations, perhaps most famously in Lewis Carroll’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, and in the Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots.
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The property listing reads: “The property enjoys a scenic and peaceful location above the banks of the river Ouse, where Old Road meets Water Row, a footpath lined to one side with pretty period houses and leading to wonderful riverside walks.
“There is a driveway area for parking approx. two vehicles to the front of the house, and additional space on Old Road if required. Cawood, once the home of the Archbishop of York, is a historic and highly regarded village with roots going back to the 10th century.
“Over the centuries, it has grown into a sizeable village offering a wide range of facilities including a post office and store, three pubs, a primary school and sports centre. Conveniently situated midway between York and Selby, it offers easy access to the A1, A64, M62 and Leeds.
“Agents note: The Old Mill is sited at the start of ‘Wolsey Walk’, named after Cardinal Wolsey and it is reported that the famous ‘Humpty Dumpty’ nursery rhyme was created when Cardinal Wolsey attempted to board the royal barge at the foot of The Old Mill’s front garden on the river deck. “
Describing the property, the listing said: “Presented over three floors, the accommodation has been beautifully maintained and upgraded with stylish fittings and bright, neutral decor.
“To the ground floor, there is an extended kitchen diner, two reception rooms, a utility room and cloakroom. On the first and second floors the master bedroom benefits from an en suite bathroom, with four further double bedrooms served by a house bathroom.
“The garden lies to the front of the house, a lawned area leading to a riverside decked terrace with fabulous views.
“A haven for wildlife and water lovers, the area is enveloped by mature trees creating a particularly private and leafy retreat.”