Thomas Raine, originally from Barnard Castle, was a lead miner and writer in Teesdale. The Birkdale Shepherds, a thirty-six verse poem, is another of his works.

Now shepherds all who tend your flocks, who ramble void of care,
A warning be this unto you that you for death prepare.

The song tells the story of two shepherds trying to save their flock in a snowstorm on 23 November, 1836. The sheep are trying to escape the storm by jumping into the Tees. Eventually help comes, but it is too late for one of the shepherds.

This been published in a number of other publications including 'Those boys of Bondgate' and 'Teesdale in ballad and song ... [etc.]'.

Birkdale Shepherds