The song's origins are as stated earlier- the main question is how it got into the folk clubs. I know that my sister Kath gave the song to Archie Fisher in the mid 60s after he heard her sing it- probably at Edinburgh University folk club. Not sure where Kath got it, but I suspect it was from one of the regulars at the Bridge in Newcastle at that time- one of Ray Fisher, Laurie Charlton, Johnny Handle, Tom Gilfellon or Louis Killen (my money would be on Louis). That club and its members were early and assiduous researchers of anything from the area. Again, not sure where Annie Briggs got it nor what LP it was on, but she was often in the NorthEast and has an ear for a good song- even if it is extremely misogynistic! If you don't believe me about that aspect, just read the words- the 'original' version in the Northumbrian Minstrelsy'