The Grand Old Duke of York

[Lisa-go-Blind]

You know the song–“The Grand Old Duke of York, he had ten thousand men, he marched them up to the top of the hill, he marched them down again. And when you’re up, you’re up; and when you’re down, you’re down; and when you’re only halfway up you’re neither up nor down.”

What is this song about? Was it based on something that really happened? When and where did it originate? This is driving me crazy!

[everton]

According to this site, the story concerns an inspection of British troops by George III at Coxheath in Kent. The Duke of York in question would have been his son Frederick, full title Duke of York and Albany.

In the period from about 1750 to 1815, the heath in the village of Coxheath was home to a large number of British and foreign troops. The heath was used as a staging area for soldiers awaiting shipment to places like India, America, to fight in the War of Independence, and the continent, to fight Napoleon and the French.

During this period several duels to defend the injured honour of an officer were fought. In 1778 King George the Third visited to inspect the units of Dragoons, Light Infantry and Grenadiers. In 1804, 10,000 soldiers were reviewed by the Duke of York who had them march up the hill in Coxheath.

[Scumpup]

I heard a swing version of this song on Teletubbies recently. I don’t know who the hep cat was who performed it, but he was great. He also did a swing version of Hickory Dickory Dock.

[Celyn]

The Grand Old Duke of York
He had 10.000 men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
then his brother gave up and went to work in theatre because the training was too tough

)

[Moirai]

Scumpup, it was King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys! I love that tape! It has absolutely mesmerized my youngest son!

[HPL]

For some reason, I’ve gotten this song suck in my head. I have no idea why. Usually while I’m jogging.