In the nursery rhyme "Old Mother Hubbard", what was in her cupboard?

"Old Mother Hubbard" is an English-language nursery rhyme, first given an extended printing in 1805, although the exact origin of the rhyme is disputed. Although there are some assumptions regarding the historical origin of “Old Mother Hubbard”s character, this nursery rhyme was written and illustrated by Sarah Catherine Martin (around 1804) – mainly to amuse her sister’s children.

The poem was first told at her sister’s house, Judith Anne Marti, wife of the notorious politician John Pollexfen Bastard. The lyrics were actually inspired by an old housekeeper of her sister’s house, who lived in a cottage on their property after giving up work.

When the illustrated book was first published in 1805 it was very successful and the poem became one of the most popular nursery rhymes of all times.

It is possible that the story was based on an earlier poem for children, “Old Dame” that appeared in 1803, which is written in a very different manner though.

The poem begins:

Old Mother Hubbard

Went to the Cupboard,

To give the poor Dog a bone;

When she came there,

The Cupboard was bare,

And so the poor Dog had none.