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Description: | Song descriptive of a local weddingWritten by William Stephenson, this song describes the festivities held on the wedding of a local skipper. The song gives a vivid description of the food and entertainments at the wedding, as well as the local characters attending. Other than Blind Willy, nothing is known of any of the eccentric characters named in the song.'Blind Willy' was infact William Purvis, or as he was more commonly known Billy Purvis. Purvis, an inhabitant of the poor-house at All Saints, was a multi-skilled musician and showman as well as a revered dance teacher.The author of the song, William Stephenson, was born in Gateshead on June 28th, 1763. A schoolmaster for the greater part of his life Stephenson wrote a number of well-known songs such as 'Quayside Shaver' and 'Skipper's wedding'. He also collected songs and poems and was well-known for his descriptions of local Gateshead eccentrics and famous characters. Stephenson died aged 73 on 12th August, 1836.The tune to which the ballad is sung is Irish and usually known as 'The night before Larry was stretched'. A number of well known songs, including the 'Pitman's Courtship' were sung to this tune. This song is part of the John Bell Collection. ; A collection of broadsheets on various subjects, with accompanying press cuttings and manuscript notes in the hand of John Bell. | Publisher: | Marshall Newcastle upon Tyne | Rights holder: | rights holder : Newcastle University | Subjects: | weddings & celebrations marriage and courtship & festivities Love | Temporal: | start=1801;end=1840; | Source: | Folk Archive Resource North East | Identifier: | farne:N0108001 | Go to resource |
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