My version was culled from

TYNESIDE SONGS compiled by C.E. Catcheside-Warrington of Gosforth in 1911

The book is in four volumes and is still available through J. G. Windows, Central Arcade, Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The song was written by Geordie Ridley and his show at the Mechanics Hall in Blaydon was supposed to be one of the highlight side show attractions at the 1862 meeting. the song was probably written to get some publicity for the show (concert).

It was indeed written in 1862. Ridley also wrote the words of that other famous Geordie song Cushie Butterfield and set to the air of Pretty Polly Perkins a cockney music hall song. There is no indication of a date for that song in Tyneside songs.

Bob Davenport told me a few months ago that Geordie Ridley was his Great Uncle. nice to know there is still a living connection.

I, too, am a proud but exiled Geordie.

George Henderson