When one takes the time to read and look at the transcriptions made by Cecil Sharp, Percy Grainger etc., one quickly realises that theit source singers rarely sang in strict tempo- it was more a case of 'Rubato rules,OK'. The singers weren't uncertain about the timing since their variations were constant- same verse, same place every time. Our 'obsession' with the right 'rhythm' is surely a product of the old songs being forced into the straitjacket of our modern musical notation system.

What about Carthy's "Sovay"?

Can't say I like the version of "Rose of Allendale" under discussion here, but that's got nothing to do with any 'tampering' with the rhythm.

In the end, "It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it!"

Don