Why do the Women's Institute sing Jerusalem?
"Jerusalem" a poem by William Blake, set to music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.
In 1917, the song was used by the Suffragettes and Millicent Garrett Fawcett of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) asked Parry if it could be used at the Suffrage Demonstration Conference 1918. After the Conference Millicent asked Parry if it could become the Women's Voters Hymn. He was delighted and assigned copyright to the NUWSS.
When the organisation was wound up in 1928 Parry's executors re-assigned it over to the Women's Institute.
"Jerusalem" a poem by William Blake, set to music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.
In 1917, the song was used by the Suffragettes and Millicent Garrett Fawcett of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) asked Parry if it could be used at the Suffrage Demonstration Conference 1918. After the Conference Millicent asked Parry if it could become the Women's Voters Hymn. He was delighted and assigned copyright to the NUWSS.
When the organisation was wound up in 1928 Parry's executors re-assigned it over to the Women's Institute.
Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
