I'd like to know the history behind the sometimes strange references in the song Jack Ashton, written by Keith Marsden and found on the Finest Kind CD, Heart's Delight.

What historical event(s) does this refer to? What are "Peer rows"? (that's the way it sounds on the CD) What is "bowling with a corky" ? Again, that's the way it sounds. Who is Sam Clegg?

Don't know for sure if the words above are correct!

Thanks for any help given!