Sir Hugh
fiosrachadh a' chlàraidh
Àireamh a' Chlàir Thùsail
SA1954.91.A2
Àireamh an Teip Thùsail
Notaichean a' Chlàir
Approximately 6½ verses, although the lengths, rhythm and melody are irregular. From a similar performance on tape SA1954.088, it would appear this is the standard way in which Maggie Stewart sang the song, as opposed to any memory lapses or mis-remembering of lyrics. In more complete versions of this ballad, we learn that the woman who lures the boy to his death is a "Jew's daughter". When the boy does not return home, his mother goes seeking him, and finds his corpse in the well. In the supernatural dialogue that follows, the boy's ghost instructs his mother to make preparations for his burial.
This ballad is said to reflect the circumstances surrounding the death of a young boy, Hugh of Lincoln (1247-1255), whose murdered body was found in a well. The accusation, threatening and execution of a Jewish man for this crime, coupled with the rampant anti-semitism of the time, began a pogrom in which many Jews were murdered. Hugh became a martyr for Christians, with sites he had been associated with becoming pilgrimage places. In some versions, the murderer is not a Jew, but a Gypsy.
This version here, however, lacks any reference to the lady being a Jew's daughter, and differs in some details from most other versions, for instance the body is usually wrapped in lead.
See:
'A Scottish Ballad Book' (D. Buchan, 1973) pp. 80-81
'Andrew Crawfurd's Collection of Ballads & Songs' vol. 1 (E. Lyle,
1975) pp. 31-33
'Ancient & Modern Scottish Songs' vol. 1 (D. Herd, 1869, 1973) pp. 96-98
'A Scots Musical Museum' vol. 6 (J. Johnson & R. Burns, 1853 edition) no. 582
Àite Clàraidh
Siorrachd - Siorrachd Obar Dheathain
Paraiste - Obar Dheathain
Baile/Àite - Obar Dheathain
Cànan
Beurla, Albais
Seòrsa
Cruinneachadh
Cruth Inneal a' Chlàir
Reel to reel
Càileachd an Fhuaime
Math