John ('Steeleye') Span

Subject: John ('Steeleye') Span
From: Greum
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 07:38 AM

I apologise if this has been answered before. There's so much information on Mudcat that finding some things can be tricky.

As I understand it, no one has been able to trace the existence of either protagonist in the song Horstow Grange, and yet it is said that Mr Span was a waggoner and that his real name was John. MainlyNorfolk is one place I've seen this.

Any clues as to where this information comes from?

Subject: RE: John ('Steeleye') Span
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 08:07 AM

John Steeleye Span

Subject: RE: John ('Steeleye') Span
From: Greum
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 08:16 AM

Yeah, but my question is, if all we know comes from the song, and the existence of Span or Bowlin cannot be traced, where does Span's first name and trade come from?

Subject: RE: John ('Steeleye') Span
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 01:02 PM

Horkstow Grange. See if that spelling helps at all.