When we asked Walter how many songs he sang that didn't come from his family or immediate neighbours and friends he replied - only one, which in fact was 'The Soldier and the Sailor' which he sought out because the one he had heard locally was "obscene"
He latter added to this by putting a tune to Thomas Hardy's 'Trampwoman's Tragedy'
People who spend time trying to prove long-dead singers told lies need to get themselves a new hobby
It is not surprising that folk song study is in the mess it is if this is what constitutes "research"
Good post indeed Brian -
Incidentally, regarding Knapton being 'cut off'
Walter's Grandfather went to sea and no doubt brought songs back with him
One of Walter's neighbours, Harry Sexton, travelled as far as Middlesborough and brought songs from their - that's where Walter's 'Steam Arm' came from
The thriving town of North Walsham was within walking distance
Knapton really wasn't beyond the outreaches of civilisation, in fact it was within easy reach of the Press Gangs as early as the mid 19th century
Jim Carroll