Interested to hear any credible evidence that St James Hospital Westminster is the hospital referred to in any song with 'St James' in the title. Interested to hear how and via what route such references were 'traced back' to this hospital, and the source of the idea that this hospital treated the clap. First known version of this idea comes from a Folkways LP, which cites an article by an American called Lodewick. Neither provides any evidence apart from the name.


Although Tom was a deep well of all sorts of folklore, he was primarily known as a singer. ?In addition to songs of Irish origin he performed old ballads derived from European tradition, along with local ditties and music hall songs; all were grist to his unbiased mill.? (Munnelly)

his repertoire came from many sources, including broadsheets and gramophone records, but was mainly acquired through oral channels.

The social occasions on which dancing and singing took place were weddings, American wakes, parties for returned emigrants in the summer or at Christmas.

http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/people/tom_lenihan.htm