"The Dudley Colliers were well known during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries for their turbulence and, on the occasion described in the song, they rioted against high food prices. The refrain, 'Oh the brave Dudley boys' had become a rallying cry in the locality by 1790 and the Lord Dudley Ward mentioned was therefore probably John, who held the title from 1763 to 1788." - Roy Palmer, sleevenotes to 'The Wide Midlands', on Topic Records.

There's a new version now released, which can be listened to by clicking here. It was recorded by Jon Wilks, who was until recently running the Grizzly Folk website (he's since gone off to brew kombucha - something to do with having to make a living).