Ride a Cock-Horse to Banbury Cross

Rings, Bells, and Jingles - The Lady's Attire

In this illustration, the lady wears two rings on her left hand which suggest that she may be nobility since rings symbolize rank and dignity. The lady's high rank is also noted in her groomsman who is holding the reigns of her horse. The bells on her shoes and horse are possibly a fashion statement from the 15th century. In that time, it was fashionable for women's shoes to have bells at long tapering ends like a jester's shoes. The eighteenth century shoes on this lady do not demonstrate the tapering, but there are bells where one might expect buttons or laces. The bells could also be a symbol of the god of plenty. The lady's fine clothes and her servants show that she probably has all the material goods a person could ask for. The music of the bells also brings the lady attention as noted by the people climbing over the wall and the children on their ponies staring in the background. She may have music whereever she goes, but the expression on her face does not indicate that she is happy.