Hi Artful Codger
The second line of verse two should read 'ford the Swale up Ivelet side'

There's an old humpback stone bridge which crosses the Swale at Ivelet, on the north side of which is a 'coffin stone' set into the verge for the pall bearers to lay the coffin on while they took a quick breather on their way to Grinton.

Incidently, we sing John Blake rather than John Blade.

The song was written by Allen Miller.

Best Wishes
Tony Petty (Alchemy)