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Oranges and Lemons Say the Bells of St Clements

"Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St Clement's": an ancient London custom performed by young parishioners.

Non-Fiction 1921 1 mins Silent

Overview

"Oranges and lemons say the bells of St Clement's". The ancient custom of distributing oranges and lemons to the young parishioners of St Clement Danes in the Strand, London - as referred to in the famous nursery rhyme - was revived by the vicar of the well-known church in 1920. One year on, this newsreel item captures the children's palpable excitement as they take part in the ceremony.

Not only does the annual orange and lemon service continue today, the bells of St Clement Danes still ring out the old tune three times a day.

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