Once in Royal David's City

Q: Who wrote Once in Royal David's City?

Cecil Frances Alexander published the hymn in *Hymns for Little Children* in 1848. It was one of a series that used stories and images to explain lines of the Apostles' Creed to children. Henry John Gauntlett's tune appeared in *Christmas Carols* the following year and later became known as IRBY. [Historical editions and tune history](https://hymnologyarchive.squarespace.com/once-in-royal-davids-city).

First recorded: 1848

Origin: Ireland

Lyrics

Opening verse from Hymns for Little Children

Once in royal David's cityStood a lowly cattle shed,Where a mother laid her babyIn a manger for his bed;Mary was that mother mild,Jesus Christ her little child.

History and Meaning

The opening verse takes us to Bethlehem. In this carol, “royal David's city” means Bethlehem, the hometown of King David. A manger is a feeding trough for animals. That ordinary object makes a striking bed for the baby at the centre of the story.

Who wrote Once in Royal David's City?

Cecil Frances Alexander published the hymn in Hymns for Little Children in 1848. It was one of a series that used stories and images to explain lines of the Apostles' Creed to children. Henry John Gauntlett's tune appeared in Christmas Carols the following year and later became known as IRBY. Historical editions and tune history.