Sir James Radcliffe, Earl of Derwentwater, (1689-1716) spent part of his youth as the companion of the young James VIII at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. He received permission to return to England in 1709 and quickly established himself as the leader of the Jacobites in Northumberland. Following his capture at Preston and execution in London he became a tragic hero of songs and ballads.

Derwentwater's Farewell

Farewell to pleasant Dilston Hall,
My father’s ancient seat;
A stranger now must call thee his,
Which gars my heart to greet.
Farewell each friendly well-known face,
My heart has held so dear:
My tenants now must leave their lands,
Or hold their lives in fear.

Lord Allenwater/Lord Derwentwater

The King has wrote a long letter
And sealed it up with gold
And sent it unto Lord Allenwater
To read it if he could.

The first two lines Lord Allenwater read
They struck him with surprise
And the next two lines Lord Allenwater read
Made tears fall from his eyes.