What a fascinating insight into what is undoubtedley one of our finest ballads.

One question was if the story is based on real events - don't have an answer to this but bearing in mind that Lord Barnard (or whatever) was able to travel the distance in a single night, geography enters into the equation. It is interesting that the ballad is also known as Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard as there are two villages in the north of England called Greater and Lesser (or little?) Musgrave and they are not far from Barnard Castle!! Interesting eh?

As to blame - who knows. It really does depend on individual views/morals and understanding of society in those times but love knows no reason (to quote another song) and causes people to do things out of character sometimes!