Guest Les in Manchester. The tune Lilli Burlero was probably written by Henry Purcell (1659-1695) and appears first published in Musick's Handmaid in 1689. The original verses are a protest in pseudo Irish against King James II nomination of general Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel to the lieutenancy of Ireland in 1687. Talbot was unpopular because of his treatment of Protestants during the previous year when he was Lieutenant General. Everyone in England sang the song and they were partly responsible for the Revolution in 1688. It was used as an army quickstep march for seventy years, but was dropped to avoid causing offence to Irish Roman Catholic Regiments. Yours, Aye. Dave (from Rochdale)