Historical & Political Ballads and Songs of the Stuart Era

About the Book

The 17th and 18th centuries were years of political, constitutional and religious conflict in England, Scotland and Ireland. They were also a period of civil wars and conflagration. The aim of this book is to provide an understanding of the political, social and religious attitudes of the period 1587 to 1784. I have tried to illustrate these aspects through the songs and music. The songs are laid out in chronological order. They cover the important events of the period.

The songs begin with the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587, and the accession of James I (of England) or VI of Scotland. They cover the important constitutional issues, which led to the major battles of the Civil War. There are songs from and about Cromwell's Commonwealth, the Restoration 1660, the Dutch Wars, the abdication of James III, The South Sea Bubble, The Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, and their aftermath. The book is complemented with a brief history. Also, there are separate notes explaining the historical and political context of each song, as well as a chronology of important dates.

About the Author

Chris Bennett was born in South Shields. He lived for a while in the Midlands, and later studied at Newcastle-upon-Tyne Polytechnic. He has lived in the London area for 30 years, and now lives with his partner on the borders of London and Essex. Currently he works with homeless people.

He has an interest in English and Scottish Folk Music, and has sung in a folk clubs across London. He sings a variety of traditional and traditionally-based folk songs.

Chris is a member of the Musician's Union. During the past 30 years he has sung with several shanty groups including Shanty Crew, London Shantymen, and Fo'c'sle. He is currently a member of a shanty group called Hog-Eye. Also he sings as part of a duo called Gaberliltie. (Gaberliltie an old northern word meaning Ballad Singer).

He collects folk music. He has strong interests in history, English and Scottish dialects, and Folk Tradition, which are reflected in the songs he sings. It is from these interests that this book emanated.