Glossary · The van
Greensleeves
Definition
Greensleeves is a traditional English folk tune from the sixteenth century, and one of the tunes most commonly played by British ice cream vans.
Greensleeves is an old English song that was already known in the late sixteenth century. A popular story says Henry VIII wrote it, but historians generally doubt that, as its musical style is thought to come from after his time. Its composer is unknown, and many different words and arrangements have been set to it since.
It became one of the standard ice cream van chimes in Britain, and for many people the first few notes are enough to send them looking for change. If you would like the van to arrive to the sound of Greensleeves at a private event, mention it when you book.
Related terms
- ChimesChimes are the short tunes an ice cream van plays to let people know it has arrived. Their use in public is governed by a code of practice.
- Mr. WhippyMr. Whippy is the British soft serve brand launched in the late 1950s. The name is now widely used for any soft serve sold from an ice cream van.
- The full glossary54 terms, from soft serve to street trading licences.
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