What are cockle shells in Mary Mary quite contrary?

Answer:
In the nursery rhyme 'Mary Mary quite contrary',' which was written about 'Bloody' Mary, cockleshells are used to represent the fact that her husband (Prince Philip of Spain) has cheated on her many times, which in them days was called Cuckolding.
First answer by Blackorchidbreeze. Last edit by Blackorchidbreeze. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].