The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #157044   Message #3709607
Posted By: Steve Gardham
18-May-15 - 04:55 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Barbara Allen
Subject: RE: Origins: Barbara Allen
Richie,
Not much help I'm afraid.
I only have one copy from the Madden Collection and it is without imprint. However the ballads do come in batches of similar aged material in this collection and 2 ballads close to it are dated 1835 and 1836. However, the bottom end of this is, going by the type and the layout it could be anything from 1820 to 1870. It has 14 stanzas, is simply titled 'Barbara Allen' and first line 'In Reading town, where I was born', already in use on slightly earlier sheets but without the rose/briar ending. Would you like me to send you a copy?