Just discovered this thread, which I find very interesting. Wiggy Smith, the Gloucestershire gypsy, sang the song. You can hear his version here.

Wiggy told me that it was a true story and that his family were the perpetrators but how much veracity you can place on this claim is doubtful. I was therefore interested in the reference to the Perkins brothers. I see that the broadside, dated between 1863 and 1865 does mention the Perkins brothers, so that seems good evidence for me.

PS - Mick and Steve - I can't get your hyperlinks to work.

Tradsinger