And did those feet in ancient time

"And did those feet in ancient time" is a famous poem written by William Blake. It appeared in the preface to his work called Milton: A Poem in Two Books, which is part of a group of writings known as the Prophetic Books. Though the poem was begun in 1804, it was printed around 1808. Today, many people know it as the hymn "Jerusalem", with music composed by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916 and later arranged by Sir Edward Elgar.

Many believe the poem was inspired by an old story that Jesus visited what is now England during the time before his ministry, accompanied by Joseph of Arimathea. However, scholars think this idea only became popular in the twentieth century. The poem actually refers to an older tale from Milton's History of Britain, where Joseph of Arimathea came to England alone after the ascension of Jesus to share his message with the ancient Britons.

The poem connects to ideas from the Book of Revelation, talking about God's power and protection. It speaks about preserving a holy place, called "Jerusalem", against forces that wish to destroy the world. In its most well-known meaning, the poem wonders if a visit by Jesus once brought a bit of heaven to England. It also calls for creating a better society there, no matter what happened in the past.

Text

The original text of the poem is found in the preface Blake wrote for Milton, a Poem. The poem begins:

And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these 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/2%20Kings#6:17)!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green & pleasant Land.

Below the poem, Blake wrote a quote from the Bible:

"Would to God that all the Lords people were Prophets"
Numbers XI. Ch 29.v

The phrase "dark Satanic Mills" is often thought to describe the early Industrial Revolution and its impact on nature and people.

The line "Bring me my Chariot of fire!" comes from a Bible story about the prophet Elijah being taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.

The phrase "green and pleasant land" is used to describe a beautiful, peaceful English landscape.

Blake supported big changes for a better society, even during difficult times. He believed people should speak out about what they see and work together to improve things. The poem encourages people to take responsibility for creating a better future "in Englands green and pleasant land."

Popularisation

See also: William Blake in popular culture

The poem "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time" by William Blake was not well known for a long time after it was written. It was included in a collection of poems called The Spirit of Man in 1916. This happened during World War I when many people were feeling sad and worried about the war.

A man named Robert Bridges thought the poem would be good to help people feel stronger. He asked a composer named Hubert Parry to write music for it. Parry created simple music so that many people could sing along. The poem was used by different groups over the years, including political parties and women's groups fighting for the right to vote.

Setting to music

By Hubert Parry

Hubert Parry changed a few words in the poem when he wrote the music. He was not sure at first if he should do this, but he agreed to help. The music was first sung in 1916 and became very popular. Later, Parry let a group of women who wanted the right to vote use the song. They loved it and wanted it to be their special hymn. After that, the song was used by many schools and groups.

By Wallen

In 2020, a composer named Errollyn Wallen created a new way to sing the poem. This new version was different from the old one and caused some debate.

Use as a hymn

Even though Parry wrote the music for one voice, many churches now sing it with four voices. It is used in special ceremonies and events. Some people say it is not a real hymn because it is not a prayer, but many people still love to sing it.

Proposal as English anthem

See also: National anthem of England

Some people think the song should be England's official anthem instead of "God Save the King". It is very popular and has been used at sports events and other important moments. In 2010, a vote was held to decide which song should be played when English teams win at the Commonwealth Games, and "Jerusalem" won. Many groups and people support the idea of making it the official anthem.

Cultural significance

The hymn "Jerusalem" has become very popular in Great Britain. It is sung every year by thousands of people at the end of the Last Night of the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall and in other places across the country. It is also sung at the end of the Labour Party conference and at the Durham Miners' Gala.

The hymn has been used in many ways over the years. It was chosen by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, and many Women's Institutes ended their meetings by singing it. It has appeared in movies, television shows, and theatre performances. Musicians like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Simple Minds, and Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson have also used the hymn in their music. The hymn is traditionally sung before rugby league and cricket matches in England. It was also part of the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.