Old woman who lived in shoe nursery rhyme ‘proved real’ as boot house found in UK woods

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Urban explorers in the UK have stumbled upon an unusual find deep within a forest: a house shaped like a boot. This discovery draws parallels to the well-known nursery rhyme about an old woman who lived in a shoe.

Overview of the Boot House

  • Location and Description: Hidden in UK woods, the house is boot-shaped, reminiscent of the nursery rhyme structure.
  • Condition: Covered in moss, with walls reclaimed by nature through leaves and vines, indicating decades of neglect.
  • Structure: The boot’s stone body has preserved well, though its wooden roof has deteriorated significantly.

Historical Context and Public Reaction

  • Residency Claims: According to the Abandoned UK Facebook page, a woman reportedly lived in the boot in the 1950s.
  • Cultural Impact: The tale has sparked comparisons to the “old woman who lived in a shoe” nursery rhyme, prompting discussions and memories among followers.
  • Safety Concerns: A portion of the interior has collapsed, rendering the structure unsafe for habitation or play.
  • Community Engagement: Explorers and the public have shared thoughts and speculations about the boot’s history and its former inhabitants.

Explorers’ Journey and Findings

  • Discovery Process: After an extended search through the woods and navigating difficult terrain, explorers found the boot at the base of a steep cliff.
  • Public Reaction: The discovery has elicited a mix of nostalgia, curiosity, and humor from the online community.
  • Historical Insights: There’s speculation about the boot’s origins, including references to its apparent role in the 1970s and 1980s as a play area, and debates about its connection to a theme park or resort.

Nursery Rhyme Connection

  • Origin of the Rhyme: “The Little Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe” is attributed to Mother Goose, first composed in 1794, with variations over the years reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards parenting.
  • Speculation and Interpretation: Some believe the boot house may have inspired the nursery rhyme, while others think it was part of a theme park or resort, not a real residence.

Preservation and Privacy

  • Non-Disclosure of Location: To protect the site from potential vandalism, the exact location of the boot house remains undisclosed by the explorers.