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Description: | The 'one mile race' to which Joe Wilson refers was infact a rowing match held in 1863 between Tyneside rowing champion Bob Chambers, and fellow Geordie Robert Cooper. At the time this song was written, rowing was by far the most popular sport on Tyneside. Crowds of thousands gathered to see the likes of Bob Chambers, Harry Clasper and Jimmy Renforth race their challengers on the waters of the Tyne. Robert Chambers, or 'Honest Bob' as he was known, was born at St. Anthony's in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1831. Beginning his working life in an iron foundry, Chambers made his rowing debut at the age of twenty-one. He went on to win the World Sculling Championship in 1863 as well as a number of races against fellow Geordie, Robert Cooper. Robert Chambers died on 4th June, 1868 at the age of thirty-seven.The song forms part of a song book by Tyneside composer, Joe Wilson. Early editions of Joe Wilson's songs were published as penny song books, many of which he printed himself. As the performer's reputation grew, he decided to issue five song books, of which this book forms part 1, for the price of 6d. These were eventually issued collectively under the title of 'Tyneside songs and Drolleries ... [etc.]'. It is not known exactly when the book was published, but we can estimate that it was sometime between 1865 and 1869.Joe Wilson, was born in Newcastle on the 29th November, 1841. At the age of fourteen Wilson joined a printers firm where he was able to indulge his love of song writing, three years later publishing his first song book. By the age of twenty-five the songwriter was touring Ned Corvan's old circuit, entertaining the crowds with his songs of domestic life. It was with songs such as 'Aw wish yor muther wad cum' and 'Dinnet clash the door' that Wilson founded his success. By the time Thomas Allan issued his fourth edition of Tyneside songs, most of Wilson's songs had been published and Allan had finally gained control of the copyright. After a short stint as the landlord of the Adelaide Hotel in 1871 Wilson returned to concert life, but sadly died shortly after at the age of thirty-three. ; Songs by nineteenth century Music Hall artist Joe Wilson | Publisher: | J. Wilson Newcastle upon Tyne | Rights holder: | rights holder : Newcastle University | Subjects: | sport & rowing & races entertainment and sport Leisure | Temporal: | start=1861;end=1900; | Source: | Folk Archive Resource North East | Identifier: | farne:N3703401 | Go to resource |
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