Georgie Porgie, Puddin' and Pie

Historical References in the Rhyme  

Georgie Porgie’s origin is unclear and difficult to verify. Georgie Porgie or Rowley Powley is believed by some to be a historical figure, but there is no consensus about his identity. Andrew Lang believed George I to be the subject of the rhyme. (Baring-Gould 170) Popular tradition gives Charles II the nod. (Opie 185) According to one source, the rhyme refers to Georgie Villiers, 2 nd, Duke of Buckingham (1628-1687) who was involved in numerous court intrigues. Due to his scandalous reputation, Parliament demanded Charles II to sever his relationship with Villiers . Still another source claims that this rhyme was a satire of George IV. Known as “Prinny” before ascending the thrown, this noble had a reputation for “amorous and amoral behavior. (De Borgia 1)