The origins of the Pat a
cake poem are unknown, but
the tradition of decorating
cakes with the name or
initial of a child is still
adhered to today! The song
Pat a cake is always
accompanied by a clapping
game - much loved by
children everywhere. The
actions which accompany Pat
a cake probably account for
the ritual of passing this
particular song from one
generation to the next.
Earliest traceable
publication 1698.
The
Historical Note:
The Bakers of
London
The Picture
depicts
fire-fighting in
London. The Great Fire
of London
of 1666 was
started in a
Baker's shop, in
Pudding Lane and
ravaged the
City. Bakeries
were always
viewed as Fire
Risks and the
premises of the
baker to King
Charles I was
also situated in
Pudding Lane.
Pat a cake Pat a cake poem
Pat a
cake, Pat a cake, baker's man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Pat it and prick it and mark it with a 'B',
And put it in the oven for Baby and me.
