For me the confused plot and variety of versions are enough evidence to suggest to me a longer piece from the middle of the 18th century, very much like the Bruton Town evolution. Again with that ballad we have lost the early garland it must have appeared on. At least with Bruton Town we have the much longer/earlier American versions. I think the Scottish versions of Bonnie Annie could easily have been rewritten from the English original, but I have no proof.

I am almost totally convinced that the original Bramble Briar was written and printed in Bristol; and if not London, I think Bristol is as good a place for BOGW to have originated.

Oh for a good collection of 18thc Bristol garlands to surface from somewhere!!