Brennan on the Moor
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1961.121
Original Tape ID
Summary
Isla St Clair sings a song about Irishman William Brennan, who robs various people, including a packman and the Mayor of London, before being captured and sentenced to death.
Introduced by her mother.
Item Notes
Based on historical events: Brennan was a farm labourer turned robber, who supposedly committed his first crime for a dare, before being forced to flee as an outlaw. His capture at Clonmel led to his trial and death sentence in 1804. Robert Ford notes that this song was particularly popular among itinerant vocalists in mid-nineteenth century Scotland ('Vagabond Songs & Ballads' vol. 2, pp. 56-61).
Most likely recorded in 1964 or 1965, rather than 1961.
Item Subject/Person
Brennan, William [Brennan, Willie]
Recording Location
County - Midlothian
Parish - Edinburgh
Village/Place - Edinburgh
Language
English
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Fair