Gabriel Zillard friend of Alfred Williams

Subject: Gabriel Zillard friendofAlfred Williams
From:
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 06:19 PM

Please has anyone got any info on Gabriel Zillard, folksinger from Hannington near Swindon, known to Alfred Williams ("The Hammersmith Poet" and folksong collector, early 20th century.) Apparently he could sing for 12 hours a day "perspiring freely". Anything further will be gratefully received.

Subject: RE: Gabriel Zillard friend of Alfred Williams
From: masato sakurai
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 08:39 PM

All I know about him is what Williams wrote in his Folk Songs of the Upper Thames (1923, p. 15):

"Four such champions I myself knew and will mention their names: John Pillinger, of Lechlade; David Sawyer, of Ogbourne; William Warren, of South Marston; and Gabriel Zillard, of Hannington. Of Zillard it is said that he would unbutton his shirt-collar at six in the morning and sing for twelve or even eighteen hours, if necessary, with the perspiration streaming down his cheeks. From what I have heard of his songs, they were very quaint and comical; unfortunately, by reason of his infirmity, I was unable to obtain possession of any of them."

~Masato

Subject: RE: Gabriel Zillard friend of Alfred Williams
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jul 02 - 11:47 PM

Alfred Williams; MSS are at:
Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge Wilts. BA14 8BS
with microfilm copy at EFDSS Library.

But that may be only songs. I don't what else might be there.