Broadsides, or broadsheets, were printed songs which were sold in the streets in the 19th century and before - sometimes by the yard (36"), literally! quite a few printers used to run broadsides off as a sideline when trade was a bit slack; they brought in a modest but steady income. People "below stairs" and other hoi-polloi were the usual customers, although it wasn't unusual for the lady of the house to send out for them ("but don't tell the Master!"). Broadsides could contain any sort of song, often with the instruction "to the air of ..." - no music! It was usual for broadsides to appear at historical and popular events, especially public executions; "Maria Marten, or the Red Barn Mystery" is one such, where the alleged "last confession of the condemned man" were written down in his cell the night before and published just in time to sell to the audience. If there was any likelihood of an escape or a rescue, then the appropriate broadside would be ready at hand to replace the "confession" when the time came!

They were printed in London, Birmingham and other places. I'm sure someone can come up with a few printers' names; Catnach is the only one I can remember off-hand.

Steve