An obvious question about this song(ignore the Copper family connection, that is a DT mistake): which came first, Padstow or Swinton? They are clearly versions of the same song, words and tune, but Padstow and Swinton are a long way apart. Are they both versions of a widespread song throughout England, which died out in all points in between? (I am basing all this on the fact that I am un aware of any versions anywhere between Padstow and Swinton, but I may be wrong on this). Or did the song go from one place to the other by sea, thus explaining why there aren't any intermediate versions up the A30/M5/M6 route?
Anybody read any theories on this? Or got any ideas opf your own?