The Bards of Newcastle Many Bards were eccentrics, many eccentrics were bards-for the eccentrics page click here For the Main Menu click here

George Ridley

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Edward Chicken
Author of Collier's Wedding. Born Newcastle in 1698.Parish clerk at St. John's, teacher. Residence- White Cross, Newgate Street.
Died 2 January 1746 buried St. John's Churchyard

Thomas Whittle
Residence= Cambo. Eccentric. Born Long Edingham? Shibottle?, Ovingham?.  Worked for a miller after arriving on an old goat.
a "dsiciple of Bacchus"  Painter. Died East Shaftoe, buried Hartburn April 19,1736. Known for a song writing wager with William Carstairs.
 
 
 

John Cunningham

John Cunningham "whose name and fame will for ever be identified with Newcastle", was born in Dublin in 1729. His parents , who were of Scottish extraction, seem to have had their share of "fortune's buffets and rewards".-his father rising through winning a prize in a lottery, and falling again as a bankrupt.  The son was recalled from the Grammar School at Drogheda-drifted to the theaters, at seventeen wrote a play, "Love in a Mist." which was performed at Dublin, and afterwards at Newcastle--took to the stage, and finally settled at Newcastle as a member of the dramatic company which then travelled the North. At Newcastle he seems to have won the friendship of Mr. and Mrs. Slack, and for the Newcastle Chronoicle, of which Mr. Slack was owner, he wrote short notices and trifles in verse , which added to his income.  In 1766 he published his poems by subscription.  He was advised by his bestfriends, to dedicate the volume to the celebrated Mrs Montague, of Denton Hall (just outside of Newcastle), but preferred to dedicate it to David Garrick, and walked the distancefrom Newcastle to London with a copy, elegantly bound, only to find himself treated with indifference and neglect. On June 20,1773 he took his last benefit at Darlington and returned to Newcastle unwell, where, at his lodgings in Union Street, on September 18th, 1773, he died, in his 44th year, and wasa buried in St. John's Churchayard, a monument being placed over his grave by Mr. Slack, of the Newcastle Chronicle.

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Thomas Thompson

Some of the best songs in  praise of Newcastle  are by writers to whom the old town, however kind, stands but as a foster-mother.  Foremost amongst these must be classed Thomas Thompson, who, in addition to being one of the earliest and best of Tyneside writers, may be further honoured as one of the founders of Tyneside song.  Thompson, thus not a native of Newcastle, was born in 1773 in the neighbourhood of Bishop Auckland, where also his boyhood was passed, his father, who was an officer, dying of a fever when his son was young.   To Durham as a youth he was sent to finish his education and enter business.  From Durham to bustling, stirring Newcastle was but a step; that step while quite a young man he took, and thus from early manhood until his untimely death, Newcastle, whose praises with such pride he sung, claimed him as her own. Once settled in Newcastle (about 1790), his energy and ability soon brought him to the front.  The times were stirring. "Should haughty Gaul invasion threat" struck the keynote of the period, nad Burns but reflected the feeling which had been aroused by the French threats when he joined the Dumfries Volunteers. All over the country volunteer regiments were forming.  IN one of these, "the Newcastle Light Horsse, " Thompson ,young as he was (about twenty three), showed the position he had won in the town by being appointed Acting-Quartermaster, and a little later on Captain. Curiously it is in connection with Burns that we come upon the first trace of Thompson as a writer.  He mus have written much before, but as yet it is untraced.  Burns died July 21st, 1796.  In the Newcastle Chronicle, about six weeks later, an elegy on his death appeared; it was signed J.H.  In the library of the Antiquarian Society, in Bell's "Notes and Cuttings," from which thsi is condensed, it is said the elegy was a vile heap of plagiarisms.  Thompson, young nad impulsive, in an anonymous sheet, pointed out these plagiarisms.  For that he got no thanks form J.H. (John Howard), a teacher of mathematics who had succeeded to the school of the famous Hutt.n... Sixteen years after his confrontation with Howard Thompson turns up again. In 1796 he was connected with Mr. David Bell, wollen draper, at the lower part of Middle Street Groat Market side. Five years later the directory of 1801 lists him on the Quayside as a general merchant trading as Armstrong, Thompson & Co.  Thompson became known for his volunteer work. His son Captain Robert Thompson was less than four years old when his father died.  Thompson is mentioned in 1812 in Bell's Rhymes of Northern Bards. He credited as authoring the New Keel Row, Canny Newcastle and Jemmy Joneson's Whurry also in 1812 he is noted as the author of Election New Song.  He prosperedas a merchant with his offices in the Broad Chare and near the Skinner's Burn, at the foot of Forth banks. He had a large timber or raff yard and built Cotfield House on the Windmill Hills, Gateshead. Thompson died January 9 1816 at age 43 during the flood while trying to protect his property on the river. He is burried at Old St. John's.

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John Shield
Born Broomhaugh near Hexham 1768. He turns up on Newcastle in 1800 running a  large wholesale and family grocery business.
In 1803 his name is on a petittion protesting taxes. Shield is noted for his works about William Scott (Cull Billy). He wrote
the famous successful appeal for his aid.  His Lord Size and Fair Delia appear in Northern Songster in 1806 and his song Oxygen Gas
was noted as being sung at the Theatre Royal.He died August 6 1848 in his eightieth year.

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John Selkirk

"The Otway of the local muse".  Born just over the blue stane o' the brig. Gateshead. Father George Selkirk= hairdresser in the Close.
John was clerk with Messrs. Strake and Boyd Quayside. Known for the Bob Cranky songs written when he was in his 20s. His songs
turn up on the Northern Minstrel or Gateshead Songster 1806-7. Selkirk also wrote Swalwell Hoppin'. Returned from London to Newcastle
around 1830.
Inquest of his death= Newcastle Chronicle Nov. 18, 1843-
"....on the body of John Selkirk aged 60 who fell into the river near Sandgate on Saturday evening, and
was drowned.  The deceased was a person of singular habits anddisposition, and had formerly
been a respectable merchant in London; but latterly was so reduced in circumstancesas to subsist
upon the charity of the benevolent.  For some time in the past he had slept nights on the shavings
of a joiner's shop in Sandgate, and refused to accept parochial relief. On Saturday evening he was
observed to carry a tin bottle to the river to obtain water, when he unfortunately fell in...."

Burried November14, 1843 plot Number 655  Ballast Hills burial-ground
 

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James Stawpert

Stawpert is responsible for Newcastle Fair which is to be found in Bell's Rhymes.   He took up the cudgels in defence
of The Bards of the Tyne against Charles Purvis. He also wrote John Diggons and Trafalgar's Battle also in Rhymes and
Angus' Garlands.Stawpert,  according to Bell's Notes was a clerk with Burdon & Rayne brewerrs, Quayside. His songs were
written about 1805. Not much else is known of him.

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George Cameron

Author of The Pitman's Revenge against Bonaparte written 1804 (falsely attributed by some to Shield) . Hairdresser in the Cloth Market. Sargent in one
of the Volunteer regiments.  Sang the song to his fellow volunteers at the Three Indian Kings, Quayside. Died= June 20
1823, age 55. He is credited with authoring only this one song. He is burried in St. Nicholas' Churchyard.
 

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Henry Robson

Born at Benwell near Newcastle. Resided in Newcastle in 1812 as recorded by Bell. Author of The Colier's Pay Week and other poems. He also
wrote The Tyne, Hydrophobia, Jean Jamieson's Ghost, Colliere's Wedding Pitman's Pay and others. . A printer who worked with Angus who printed Bell's work.
Not known as a dialect writer. Worked as printer with Mackenzie and Dent and at home. Died= Grenville Terrace Dec. 21, 1850 at age 785.
Obituary- "he had workded 60 years as a printer, was the oldest member of the profession in the town, and was much respected by a numerous circle of friends."
 

William Stephenson

Born June 28th 1763 Gateshead. One of the earliest Tyneside writers. Apprenticed to James Atkinson of Church Street- clock and watchmaking. Disabled by severe accident, left watchmaking to become a scholar and schoolmaster. His school was opened on the Church Stairs, Gateshead. 1812 Quayside Shaver is include in Bell's volume along with Skipper's Wedding (titled then= The Invitation) 1832- published a collection of songs dedicated to Rev. John Colinson, Rector of Gateshead. This includes: The retrospect and describes Gateshead. He also wrote The Age of Eighty. He was known for singing this song. Died- Gateshead, August 12, 1836 at age 73.

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John Leonard
Author of one song in dialect: Winlanton Hopping. Poet. Born Gateshead? Father George Leonard
was a Gardener. John was trained as a joiner. Burial and date of death unknown.
 
 
 

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William Mitford

Born Preston Near North Shields, April 10, 1788 An important songwriter. Parents died when a child brought to Newcastle by an uncle at age 3-4 years. Apprenticed to shoemaker in Dean street possibly to the father of Willie Armstrong. The Budget or Newcastle Songster was published in 1816 by Marshall, in the Cloth Market. This work contained 11 songs. Mitford is known for: Cappy, The Pitman's  Courtship and X.Y.  Mitford played the part of the bisiop in the coronation held on the festival of St. Crispon by the Cordwainers July 29, 1823 at the Freeman's Hospital, Westgate. At this tim he quit shoemaking and opened a public house on the edge of the Leazes, near to the Spital tongues,  called: North Pole.  While there he wrote the song: The North Pole. Laterhe left the North Pole to go to the more central Tailor's Arms at the head of the Side.  William Watson mentions him as being  there in 1834.  Eventually Mitford retired to live in his own house in Oyster Shell Lane at the head of Bath lane. He died tehre on March 3 1851 at the age of 63 and is buried at Westgate Cemetary, Arthur's Hill.

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Robert Roxby
Famous in colaboration with Doubleday for fishing songs. Roxby was the elder. Born Needless Hall and became a clerk with Sir
W. Loraine and with Sir M.W. Ridley at banks in Newcastle. Died= July 301846 age 79 and is buried at St. Paul's  burial ground
at top of Westgate Hill.  In The Fisher's Garland (signed by R.R. ) Roxby is responsible for the manuscript and Doubleday the lyric.
 
 

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Thomas Doubleday
Poet, politican and merchant. A poet both lyrical and dramatic. Doubleday was prominent in the Reform Bill and Chartist agitation.
He was not successful in business. He wrote: The Auld Fisher's Lament in 1841 which may be autobiographical.
Doubleday is responsible for the lyric of The Fisher's Garland which he produced with Robert Roxby. He lived at Gosforth
outisde Newcastle. He died December 18 1870 at age 81.
 
 
 

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Robert Gilchrist

Born Gateshead,St. Mary's Parish, Sept 8, 1797 Known as one of the Brightest of the Tyneside writers. Father was a Newcastle sailmaiker. Robert was apprenticed to William Spence,sailmaker At age 21 in 1818 he received a silver medal from his companions in appreciation for his poetry. In that year he took us his freelage with a musket for the defence of the town. In 1817 he was drawn by ballot for the militia for this duty he found a substitute Matthew  Winship a High Bridge shoemaker. Gilchrist's first book Gothalbert and Hisanna was published in 1822. In 1824 his Collection of Original Songs, Local and Sentimental was published by Mitchell.  The second part appeared in 1826 (his last publication)  published by  W. Boag. Gilchist produced sacred works which show him to favor the philsophy of the Glassites.  He married Miss Morrison. Gilchrist took over his fathers business near the Custom House on the Quayside in 1829.  He was not successful in the business prefering the country and long walking tours. Gilchrisrt resided in the old house facing Shieldfield Green. In 1838 he wrote of the destruction which threatened his house.  The house was spared. Gilchrist as a freeman took part in the "barges" event and was foremost in the Freemen's steamboat. He" had a slight cast in his eye and when telling a humeorous story this eye did half the business" Died= July 11, 1844 atage 47, buried = East Ballast Hills burial ground.

James Morrison

Wrote Newcastle Noodles and Burdon's Address. Born: Moorson's Court, Groat Market, Newcastle.
Apprenticed as painter. Went to edinburgh around 1830.  Burdon's Address was published in Marshall's
Chapbooks, 1823. Newcastle Noodles was published in Marshall's volume 1827. He was a nephew
of the scholar Dr. Morrison.
 
 

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William Watson
Wrote Dance to thy Daddy and Thumping Luck to yon Town and other songs.
A painter and politician.Residence= St. Martin's Court, Newgate St. He wrote election songs for his favorites. These he wrote between
1820 and 1840. His song Newcassel Races was publshed in Marshall's Collection in 1827. Fordyce
published his later works(1842). Thumping Luck an important song is said to have been written in London.
Died= St. Martin's Court, Newgate St. Feb.4, 1840, age 44. Buried St. John's Churchyard.
 

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William Armstrong

Wrote Lizzie Mudie's Ghost and other songs.  Born= Painter Heugh, Newcastle, 1804.
Fater=shoemaker in Dean St. Bound to Mr. Wardie a painter at the White Cross Newgate St. worked as
journeyman.  Known as Willie Armstrong.  Songs were about alughable extravagances involving Keelmen
and Pitmen. A singer who was known for singing his own songs. Armstrong was a member of the Stars
of Friendship social club.  Went to London around 1833-4. A "rough and amusing writer" The earliest of
his songs known is the Jenny Howlet published in one of Marshall's Chap-Books in 1823. The rest of his
songs were published in Marshal (1827) and Fordyce (1842).
 
 

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C.W. Barnes

Responsible for publishing the Shields Song Book in 1826. He may have had something to do
with the writing of some of the songs..
 
 

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William Oliver

Wrote Newcassel Props one of the best of the old Tyneside songs. Born in the Side, Newcastle, Jeb 5 1800. Father=cheesemonger.
William became a draper and hatter who worked with Mr. Bowes, the Bridge End, Gatesehad. Later after trying business on his own
he joined his brother Timothy as a grocer at the corner of High Bridge in the Cloth Market. A collection of his songs was published in
1829 dedicated to Robert Bell, Esq. Mayor of Newcastle. He sympathisedwith the agitagion proceeding the passage of the Reform Bill
of 1832. Of his political songs is England Awake. Oliver took part in social gatherings at public houses with tradesmen after business hours.
He was very popular as both singer and writer. Such groups were- Sons of Apollo, Stars of Friendship, and the Corinthan Society.
His songs were highly popular. Died= Oct. 29 1848, burried= Westgate Cemetery,  Arthur's Hill.

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Thomas Marshall
Apprenticed as brush-maker with Mr Laidler, Carpenter's Tower and later worked as journeyman there.
First published a collection of his songs in 1829. The best known- Blind Willie, Euphy's Coronation. Both
mention local eccentrics. Marshall is described as slight, dark and a little under the middle height.
Died around 1866 at around age 60 at his residence Shield Street, Shieldfield of a paralytic attack. Buried
All Saints Cemetary January 2 1867 right-hand side of the main walk one-third of the way up and about ten
yards from the edge of the walk. At breaks at work he would sing with a favorite being- Thumping Luck to
Yon Town. He was a member of the guild of bellringers of All Saints Church. Most of his songs were written
before or at around age 21.  He was born on Silver Street.
 

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Thomas Wilson

Trapper Boy, Schoolmaster, Merchant and Poet Born Gateshead Low Fell, November 14,1773. Went to the pits at age 8 as a trapper boy.  The last piece he wrote when over 80 years of age was The Market Day. Wilson educated himself and became a schoolmaster. He eventually became a Clerk on the Quay and then bacame a partner with Mr. Losh.  1807 the parntership became Losh, Wilson and Bell.  He moved to a residence on the place where he was born: Fell House where he spent the rest of his life.  Routledge produced an edition of his works.  The first part of his Pitman's Pay came out in Newcastle Magazine in 1826 with two other parts coming out in the next two years.  His earliest pieces date  to 1824.  Died= 9 May 1858 age 85. Buried- St. John's Gateshead Fell.

David Ross Lietch

Known for The Cliffs of Old Tynemouth. Born= North Shields. Practiced as a medical man.. 1838= Published Poetic Fragments.
Retired to the Lake District. Died there= Aughst 16, 1881. Buried= Crossthwaithe churchyard.
 

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Robert Emery

Born Edinburgh, Sept. 26,1794. Wrote Sandgate Pant and Hydrophobie and others. Moved to Newcastle when young.  Apprenticed as printer with Mr. Angus in the Side. Write children's nursery rhymes for penny and halfpenny books.  Wrote about the great frost 1813 in a song with partner  thomas Binney in 1814..  Emery wrote first two verses. Worked as a journeyman for many years in the town. His songs which became very popular wre written at this time. Around 1850 he started business on his own as a printer in Silver Street. He pursued this for about 20 years.  A year before he died he moved to larger premises at the foot of Pilgrim Street.  Died- March 20 1871 at age 77. Buried- All Saints' cemetary after a large funeral. Emery wrote a song each year for his  fellow work mates at Lamberts in Grey Street for their anual trip. He worked at Lamberts before going out on his own. Hydrophobie was first published in "Original Local Songs" published by  Edgar in 1825.  Marshal in his 1827 edition of songs lists Emery as one of a trio of local bards who break into  song concerning the removal of the fishwives from the Sandhill. His Jean Jamieson's Ghost appeared in  Fordyce 1842 .

T. Moor
T. Moor was a shoemakere who carried on business at Denton Chare. A bass singer of note and member of the choir
of St. Andrew's.  Mrs. Leybourne yet remembered as a popular favorite, singing both at the Theatre
Royal and public concerts was his daughter. He wrote only one song- The Skipper's Dream.  Robert Emery, the
famous Tyneside writer when having too much to drink used to regularly sing this song. Emery may have had
something to do with the writing of the song.

William Stephenson, Jun.
Son of a song writer. Born Gateshead Sept. 2 1797 worked as a printer first at the Bridge End, Gateshead.
Published The Tyneside Minstrel a collection of local osongs in 1824 with contributions from his father and
others. Stephenson supplied hawkers with songs and other works. His Beggars' Wedding is found in The
Tyneside Minstrel. He wrote under the letter S and X proudicing sentimental songs. These include:
The lass that shed a tear for me and Ellen. He published his fathers volume of poems and songss in 1832. Also
around 1832 he worked on the sixpenny monthly newspaper magazine The Gateshead Intelligencer. This work
Started in 1830 and ended in 1833. Stephenson's works got him int trouble with the Gas Company and was
forced to make an appology. Died= May 20, 1838 age 40. He is noted as being much respected.

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Robert Nunn

Known as Bobby Nunn. Profession- slater. Due to falling off of a roof he lost his eyesight. He worked as a muscian- a fiddler.
In addition to playing the fiddle he sang and composed songs. Robert Emery wrote about him in The Sandgagte Lassie's Lament.
He performed his own songs.  Died- Queen St.,Castle Garth, Newcastle, May 2, 1853 age- 45. "A Newcastle man, and had the Burr in all its delightful purity"-
W.h. Dawson. Nunn is not considered to be an intelectual. His main skill was as performer. He was famed for playing for women's
events, boxes or benefit clubs. A heavy looking man, a great favorite at resorts. During the day Bobby turned wood for turners and cabinet-makers.
He also made bird cages. Died= 1853. He wrote: Sandgate Lass on the Robery Banks and Blind Wilie's Death.  The earliest publisher
of his songs is Fordyce 1842. He was known for singing: The Poor Aud Horse and The quarter of Currans but these songs have been lost.

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John Brodie Gilroy
Famous for his son The Noodle. This seems to be his only song. He was Foreman atLambert's Printing Office, Grey Street. He was well read
with ready wit and great natural ability. He was famous for extradordinary sayings uttered when he was angry.  He is known for being warm hearted and generous beyond his means but he had a hot and firey temper. He led a pure andsinless life. Died- Early 1853 at age 35. Buried- with his trousers and boots on, Westgate
Hill Cemetary.
 

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John Peacock

Native of South Shields. Seaman- from age of 12. Taken prisoner during French war,  confined in North of France.
Shoemaker, chartist, co-operative store keeper, second-hand bookseller. His business was in South Shields Market Place.
He was known as being sober, intelligent, sharp witted, and  a public institution. A poet with most of his work appearing
int the Shields Garland of 1859. died 1867.
 

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Joseph Philip Robson

"Bard of the Tyne and Minstel of the Wear" Born Bailiffgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sept. 24,1808. Authored some of the most important local songs. (see his autobiography). Lost parents at early age. Mother died when he was 6 father when he was 8. Father prepared for priesthood at Stoneyhurst College but due to health did not complete this course of study and became a Catholic School teacher.  Robson was sent to apprentice as a plane maker. Lifting a heavy log of wood he severely sprained himself and was forced to become a schoolmaster. He was a poet fom an early age. In 1831 he published Blossoms of Poesy his first work with Poetic Gatherings coming out in 1839, The Monomaniac in 1847, Poetic Pencillings in 1852 Hermione the Beloved in 1857 and Evangeline or the Spirit of Progress in 1869. He became a celebrated poet and a friend of prominent poets of the day. He received a gift of  twenty pounds from the queen. Two musical friends convinced him to start writing in the dialect. In 1849 he wrote the life of Billy Purvis. In 18490-50 he edited The Bards of the Tyne which was a collection of local songs. This work included some of his own songs. Prince Lucien Bonaparte  commissioned him to create a version of the Song of Soloman in Lowand Scotch.  Robson contributed to Chanter's Comic Almanack and he wrote a weekly letter which was always signed- A retiort Keelman and written in local dialect for the North of England Advertiser.  In the middle of 1869 while having Evangeline printed Robson suffered a paralytic stroke. He improved somewhat but it lead eventually to his death on August 26, 1870 at age 62.  He is buried  in Jesmond Old Cemetery. Enter the gates turn to the left about ffity yards on the left is his grave.

Edward Corvan

Born Liverpool, brought up in Stockbridge. About him Joe Wilson wrote- "Comic iv iv'rything, clivor at owt." Moved to Newcastle at age four. At age seven his father died. Corvan was brought up by his mother. Known as Ned.  His works Ne place now te play and the Death of Billy Purvis are thought to be autobiographical. He was known for extravagance and nonsence.  He worked as a sail maker. As a youth Corvan was fascinated by Billys or the Victoria Theater and after sailmaking did not work out he joined Billy Purvis's dramatic company. With the company he played violin in the orchestra and sung comic and local song. Corvan also painted scenes and worked at bill sticking.  He was not successful as an actor and did only small parts.  Corvan was most successful with his songs. An early song was He wad be a Noodle which was successful.  He then became an important part of the compayn at about age 20. Around 1850 the Railway Company purchased the public grounds from the City Corporation.  (The Forth). Part of this near the Infirmary was let to Madame Tournaire for use as a circus. The circus was changed into a concert hall called the Olympic (Managed by a Mr. Howard)  when the circus was  not in session. Corvan left Billy and joined the Olympic company as a singer. He was very successful.  At this time his songs Oh, what a price for sma' coals and Ne place now te play wre popular.  Soon after he wrote Asstrilly or the Pitman's Farewell and Asstrilly's Goold Fields which were also very successful. Corvan is known as being the first to compine both writing songs and singing them in character as a profession.  With sucess in this line he quit his  dramatic pursuits. With this popularity Corvan traveled the North singing his Tyneside songs. He was also successful on the road.  Eventually he settled in South Shields operating Corvan's Music Hall, Wapping Street for several years befor giving it up to return to local singing.  Corvan brought speaking or pattere into his songs.  He would draw with chalk on the blackboard accompanying his drawing with patter.  Corvan produced the song The Fire on the Kee which was  also very popular.  During this song he dressed as a female street hawker looking for her son Jimmy. One man almost laughed himself to death or close to it. Died at his residence, Newgate Street just below St. Andrew's Church age 35 buried-  St. Andrew's Cemetary. In addition to writing and performing Corvan was a good painter and painted sea pieces and landscapes.

George Ridley

Born Gateshead, 10 February 1835 Sent to Oakwellgate Colliery as trapper-boy. Soon went on to the Goose Pit (The Gyuess). Ridley worked there for 10 years befor moving to Messrs Hawkes, Crawshay and Co as waggon-rider where he stayed for three years leaving after a severe injury following an accident involving a wagon which went out of control and crushed  him.  He was thereafter unfit for regular work.  Ridley then turned to his abilities as a singer of Irish comic and old Tyneside songs. He worked professionally first att the Grainger Music Hall where he brought his first local song- Joey Jones. This was very popular. Later at the Wheat-sheaf Music Hall (later the Oxford)  he was also successful. Following this he performed at the Tyne Concert Hall newly opened by Mr. Stanley where he came up with the reole of Johnny Luik-Up the Bellman. At this he was very successful as his likeness to the real person was very close. He performed all over the North.  His songs sold well in cheap editions. He was known for The Bobby Cure and Johnny Luik-Up. Children sang these songs in the streets.  After a short 5 year career his health started to fail. Died- at his residence in Grahamsley St. Gateshead, Friday, Sept. 9, 1864 at the age of 30-. Buried- St. Edmund's Cemeterey. Ridley was not known as a writer of songs with literary merit instead, he is celebrated as a performer and writer of songs which were extremely popular and were sung. He had a fine voice and great powers of mimicry. Ridley's premature death is much regretted. While  Allan does not draw particular attention to it his song the Blaydon Races has become the anthem of Geordie Land a  tribute to his special ability to write songs that would be sung and remembered. For his characters click here

James Rewcastle

A temperance worker who brought the movement to Newcastle. A newcastle native
he worked as a printer and sold books from his shop in Dean Street. Rewcastle printed
the Temperanace Advocate an early temperance work. He wrote- As I woke one morning and
It was in Dark December among others. including Jackey and Jenny and others. His songs
were sung by fellow temperance worker Fenwick Pickup. Rewcastle retired from bookselling
and took a position of responsibility with the Newcastle Corporation. Died- Oct. 4 1867 at
age 66. Buried- St. John's Cemetary. Rewcastle's songs were never published as a collection.
 
 

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Edward Elliott
Known as E.E.  Writer of witty and humourous songs of great popularity. Alcoholic at an early age.
Defeated alcoholism and became a temperance worker and advocate. Lectured on the topic.
He told autobiographical stories of his illness. Died April 29, 1867 age 67 buried Earsdon Churchyard.
His songs include The Sheep-Killin Dog,and  Whitley Camp.

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Michael Benson
Member of the Stars of Friendship fraternal organization.  Known as probably the oldest master printer
in the town. Known for his address- The Birth of Friendship's Star which was delivered at the
anniverseay dinner Christmas Day, 1828.

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Joe Wilson

Born Nov. 29, 1841 at end of Stowl Street, Newcastle. Father- Joiner and cabinet myeker and mother a straw bonnit myeker. Both Newcastle natives. Became a printer at age 14. Wilson had long ejoyed songwriting. His first book came out at age 17. Wilson celebrated the dialect. He opened his own printing business at age 21 and was successful with his: Wor Geordy's Account o' the Greet Boat Race atwixt Chambers an' Green and soon thereafter he published a number of Tyneside Sangs. He is known for: Aw wish yor muther wad cum, The Row upon the Stairs, the Gallowgate Lad and Dinnet clash the Door which were all successful. His first professional job was at Pelton on December 1, 1864 followed by work at the Oxford Music Hall and then at Tyne Concert Hall, Newcassil. After that Wilson toured the north with great success.  In 1869 he married and due to the strain of travel he settled down in 1871 to serve as the landlord of the Adelaide Hotel, Newcastle. This did not work out and after a year he was back touring. He became ill and died at his home Railway St. at age 33. Wilson was probably the most successful of the Tyneside song writers. He specialized in homely songs. Wilson was popular far and wide.  He was successful in moving beyond the eccentrics to focus upon the everyday life of the working clases.  A collection of his works appeared in 1890.

Ralph Blackett
Held a high position upon the Quay but lost this. A hymn writer in his youth he also wrote peotry. He was a
regular contributer to Charter's Almanack and Annual. His first song was in dialect- Jimmy's Deeth which
won a prize from the Weekly Chronicle and was sung at the Tyne Thgeatre pantomime.
Blackett was reserved to strangers but generally kind and genial. He was a man of refined ideas
who was a prolific writer. Died- Middlesborough, Dec. 29, 1877 age 47.

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William Henderson Dawson

Died January 25, 1879, age 52. Bookbinder at St. Nicholas' Churchyard at the workshop of Thomas Bewick wood engraver. Wrote a song on  the inauguration of Stephenson's Monument in 1862. This song was successful. Also in 1862 he assisted in the first addition of Allen's great work. Dawson was well known for his knowledge of local lore and songs. He wrote a letter for the Newcastle Guardian and succeeded Robson in writing his letter -The Retoirt Keelman for the Advertiser. He wrote Walks round Old Newcastle which are filled with local references.  He also wrote for The Local Poets of Newcastle for which he provided a series of articles both biographical and critical some of which were stories nad songs and poems. Died- Jan. 25 1879 age 52. Buried St. John's Cemetery, Elswick.

John Kelday Smith
Died June 12, 1889 at his home Temperance Row, Shieldfield, age, 54.
Native of Orkney but brought to Newcastle while in his infancy. Writer of local songs. Wrote for Charter's comic pulication, Ward's Almanack and
the Weekly Chronicle.  Won a prize for a song about the Gateshead Working Men's Club and for an essay on working men's clubs.  He is known
for his song- Whereivvor hae They Gyen.
 

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Matthew Dryden
Wrote Perseveer or, the Nine Hours Movement. Died at his home Herbert St. age 46. Born Belford. Father
had an interest in a local Colliery.  Father dide when Matthew was in his teens. Dryden eventually came to
Newcastle to work at Sir. W. Armstrong's where he worked till his death. He joined the nine hours strike in
1871. He was a good singere of local, Irish and sentimental songs.  He was popular especially
with Joe Wilson's songs. Dryden gave concerts to benefit the strike fund.  His songs on Elliott the
Pegswood sculler were popoular.  When the strike end he went back to Armstrongs and had worked there
for 30 years when he died.

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James Horsley

Born Alnwick, orphaned in Newcastle as child. Songs and poems have been collected and published. His biography has been written by Mr. hastings.  Native of Alnwick but left orphan in Newcastle at young age. Worked as stable boy, cabin boy and other work. He was known for telling stories of his early life as stable boy.Horsley worked for a while with Robert Ward on the Advertiser and Directory. After working with ward he worked withMr. Andrew Reid where he worked until his death on the  well known Reid's Railway Guide His first song was written when he was just over twenty. This  was Geordy's Dream or, the Sun and the Muen. His next song came out when he was almost 50.  He was known for his songs about Jesmond and wrote songs until his death. He died in 1891 and is buried in St. Andrew's Cemetery.

George Charleton Barron

Born Gateshead, died June 16, 1891, North Shields age 45. Clerk with his relative Ralph Blackett on the Quay. Known as  a mimic and elocutionist. After short carier as actor he retuurned to Newcastle where he played dramatic roles and was popular.  He was a commercial traveller with manhy firends.  He could provide both Scottish and Tyneside entertainment. He had endless stories.  He died after an operation for an absess in the head, North Shields, June 16, 1891, age 45. Buried Preston  Cemetary. Known for cheerfulness. He is known for only one piece- Bill Smith at Waterloo. This was derived from an American story.

John Taylor

Born- Dunston Died Dunston Sept 24, 1872 age 51 Buried- Dunston churchyard. Contributed to Allan's work. Started as clerk at Central Station. Father North-Eastern man printed the first railway ticket. Left railway company to become a traveller for a large brewery.   Wrote many songs for Charter's and Ward's Almanacks winning prizes from each. A clever painter and created the engravings featured in Allan's work of: Starkey, Billy Purvis, J.P. Robson, and Geordy Black.  Dunston is just outside of Gateshead.

Howland Harrison

Born King William Street, Gateshead, June 23,1841. Author and comic singer starting at 23 years of age. Worked at teh Victoria Music Hall, Newcastle.  He was successful at this and then went to the Oxford Music Hall, Newcastle, the Wear Music Hall, Sunderland, Stockton, Darlington, Glasgow and other places.  He was known for The Coal Cartman, I'm going down the Hill, The Drum Major,  The Lass I met at Shields and The Death of Renforth. He was known for his broad humour, facial expression attitudes and alterations of his voice.  He wrote both lyric and music. Known as Rowley.  He worked as landlord of the Geordy Black in Gateshead and the Commercial Hotel at Winlaton and manager of his own concert halls. He had a large marquee for singing and entertainments at the Temperance Festival on the Moor in Newcastle. He worked at The People's Palace and The Empire. He is well known for the song and character role of Geordy Black.

Richard Oliver Heslop

Born March 14 1842, Newcastle. Famous for his dictionary of Northumberland words, past and present. Writer of Tyneside Songs and readings which he wrote to relax from working on his great dictionary.  The Dictionary was serialized in the Chronicle and is a monumental work. Heslop worked as an Iron Merchant. He was a native of Newcastle and an  old Grammar School boy. Born- March 14, 1842. He wrote: Howdon for Jarrow,Newcastle Toon Nee Mair, A tow for Nowt, The Singin' Hinney, The Tyneside Chorus,

John Atlantic Stephenson

Born Mid Atlantic on Waterloo day 1829. Father was in the Chemical trade on the Tyne and on his way to India to work for the East India Company when his child was born. His mother was a daughter of Dr. Brummell. Blind willy sung of him- "Dr. Brummel upon the Sandhill, He gov Sir Maffa a pill." In Newcastle Props a song by Oliver Blind Willy is referenced : "O weel aw like te hear him sing 'Bout young Sir Matt andDr. Brummell. The family returned from India after 12 years. John started at Sowerbvy's Glass Works, Gateshead. Later he became representative of John Rogerson and Co. He was a member of the Bewick Club holding office of Hon. treasurer. He contributed as an amateur to the annual exhibition.  He is known for water colors of rural scenes.He is also known as a public speaker performing for his club. Stephenson specialized in dialect.

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Alexander Hay

Born Newcastle, Dec. 11, 1826. Apprenticed to caminet maker. Went to sea as ship carpenter. Hay contributed a song to Clark Russell who mentioned it in his work Sailor's Language.Hay was famous for recitations including his work -Board of Trade ahoy. Another well known work was Thge Shoddy Ship appeared in the Nautical Magazine. Hay contributed to the Northern Poetic Keepsake as early as 1856. He worked in liverpool as a school tutor and worked in the building of the Great Exhibiton in londong in 1862. Hay also worked as a journalist. He returned to Newcastle and was active in local historical research into the location of graves of writers.  He contributed to research for Allan's work.  He also produced work in dialect such as - The Dandylion Clock, and  The Illektric Leet.

John Craggs

Born- North Sunderland 1849. Worked as a clerk on the Tyne. A bohemian who associated Wit Joe Wilson, Rowland Harrison, John Taylore and Ralph Blacket. Used gthe pen name- Mrkg. Fudjiv- a cryptogram of his name. He was awarded Carter's gold metal for his song- The Old Cot on the Tyne. He also Wrote The M.P. for Jarra and The Ltter from Hannah. In 1877 he migrated to the metropolis where he served as a member of the detective police.

Tommy Armstrong

1849-1919 "The Bard of the Durham Coalfield", The Pitman's  Poet. Bow-legged, lively, huge family great thurst. Worked as pitman, wrote songs, had them printed as broadsides which he sold on weekends in the pubs at a penny a copy to make his beer money.  Son William said of him- "Me dad's Muse was a  mug of ale". Worked as trapper boy  in the pit by the age of  9 having to be carried to work because of painful crooked legs. At age of 12 worked as bony boy singing his songs to the ponys. Armstrong became a master at barbed verses. Lived at Tanfield Lea for most of his life.  Famous and called upon to write songs for special events while young he  wrote about strikes- occasional songs, as well as songs on domestic or comic themes. He is responsible for: The Skuil Board Man, Hedgehog Pie, The Ghost that Haunted Bunty,Wor Nanny/s a Maizor,  The Durham Lockout, Durham  Gaol, The Row Between the Cages, Marla Hill Ducks and others.

Source-
Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings....,
Thomas and George Allan, NewcastleUpon Tyne, 1891.