Shimrod's point is, unsurprisingly, one of the most refreshing here abouts. One posible 'Artisan - song writer' was Beckett Whitehead. From whom MacColl got 'To the Begging I will go' and I think Harry Boardman got, indirectly 'I mean to get jolly well drunk'. I think BH was descibed by MacColl as a Weaver but wasn't he also an amature historian? His Grandson has been posting on Mudcat in respect of his Grandfather.

Fascinating? Certainly. Helped bu Bert's creativity and dishonesty? Make your own mind up