Malcolm made a reference to Gilchrist linking the tune of the burlesque versions to 'The Poor Little Fisherman's Boy' near the beginning of this thread. I have a note stating that at least one of the broadsides designates 'Poor Little Fisherman's Boy' as the tune it should be sung to. Presumably then 'PLFB' predates the burlesque version at least. If required I can check my copies of the broadsides and find which ones give the tune designation but I have 21 versions just of the burlesque.