Humpty dumpty lyrics

When was the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty written - and who was Humpty Dumpty? It is believed that the nursery rhyme dates back to the 18th century but it could be even earlier. Colchester Tourist Board says the poem originates from the English Civil War, and Humpty Dumpty refers to a canon, which was placed on Colchester's city wall (a Royalist stronghold). It is recorded that when the heavy canon fell after a blast from the Parliamentarians the Royalists were unable to lift it up back on the wall - hence the line - 'all the King's men.'