Dave Sutherland. "Finally I would suggest that you try to find a version of the ballad performed by Ewan MacColl who makes Hughie sound like the ferocious brigand that he was as opposed to the apologetic,shambling figure as he energes from Ms Tabor's version."

I haven't heard June Tabor's performance of this ballad. However, previous encounters with her singing make me think I would end up agreeing with Dave.

MacColl recorded at least two versions of Hughie The Graham. One such can be found on the recent Topic release; Ballads. TSCD 576D. He re-recorded that version in 1964 for Folkways as part of volume 2 of a 3 LP set, called The English and Scottish Popular Ballads. l. 2 - Child Ballads. Folkways FW03510.

That same year he recorded a different version for the Topic LP, English and Scottish Folk Ballads. Topic 12T 103. An augmented CD reissue is available on Topic as English and Scottish Folk Ballads. TSCD480.

Both versions have excellent texts, although IMO the TSCD 576/Folkways has far and away the better tune.

BTW., I once heard Hamish Henderson sing a different version which had the line "Though there were ten Grahams all in his skin..........". I think that confirms Yorkshire Yankee's figurings precisely.