Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet …): A Poem by William Blake
A very familiar poem, especially in its common musical setting, that is based on an ancient myth
The poem by William Blake that is generally known as “Jerusalem” is probably the best known of his works, although it was not given that title by its author.
Blake’s “Jerusalem”
William Blake did write a poem called “Jerusalem”, but it is one of his immensely long “Prophetic Books” that are little read today.
What we know as “Jerusalem” forms part of the preface (otherwise in prose) to another of his Prophetic Books, namely “Milton”, that dates from 1804–08. The sixteen lines that concern us have no title, but, as they concern the building of a “new Jerusalem”, the name has stuck in the public imagination and everyone understands “Blake’s Jerusalem” to mean this poem.
The fame of the poem was assured in 1916 when it was set to music by Sir Hubert Parry. It became a patriotic hymn during World War I and the anthem of the Women’s Institute. It has also been suggested as a suitable candidate for an English National Anthem (as opposed to British) for use at sporting and other occasions.
