Lyr Add: Tyne Fair

Subject: Lyr Add: Tyne Fair
From: *#1 PEASANT*
Date: 13 Jun 04 - 02:47 PM

Tyne Fair

Since in cold there are some who don't wish to come out,
While others, confin'd, cannot ramble about;
To those in such cases I'll offer a line,
While the ice is so thick upon Newcastle Tyne

Lol de loe, etc.

Jackey Frost, when he came, made the keelmen contrive,
While the river was frozen, how they should best thrive;
When one of them open'd a prospect so nice,
"Od smash ye! let's heave out wor planks on the ice."

I was going 'mongst the rest, the amuisement to share,
When " Pay for the plank, sir! "says one with an air;
Slipt my hand in my pocket without e'eer a frown,
And this knight of the huddock led me carefully down.

Huts, soldiers,and fiddlers arrested my view;
But something fell out, when away they all flew:
Fell out, did I sway? why, I think 'twas fell in,
For they spy'd a gay barber sous'd up to the chin.

There were some rowley-powley, tetotum, dice-box,
While others, for liquor, were fighting game cocks;
While Neddy the Bellman-his bell tinkled on-
Said, a Cuddy Race started exactly at one.

O'er this fine icy walk, too, each belle had her beau,
Don skaiters cut figures their skill for to show;
All striving who'd get the most praise at the skait,
From the Member of Parliament down to the sweep.

A marine next went half down, whose paws on the ice
Went as fast as a cat's when she's kidnapping mice:
I began now to think 'twas a dangerous place,
When a Keel-Bulley roar'd, "Clear the road for a race."

the winning post seem'd a grand sight for a glutton,
For there hung suspended a plump leg of mutton;
Its rump orange laurels display'd to the view,
Which Cud Snapes after winning bedizen'd his brow.

This race was scarce done when another began,
'Tween knac-kneed Mall Trollop and bow-legged Nan:
This filly race made the folks round them to flock,
But knack-kneed Mall Trollop came in for the smock.

Hats, stockings, and hankerchifs, still hung as prizes,
Was run for by skaiters and lads of all sizes;

Razor grinders quite tipsy, with Bambro' Jack,
And God save the King, sung by Willy the Black.

Before I came home I'd peep through the bridge,
Where a horse ran about with a man in a sledge;
I was bidding farewell to this cool winter's treat,
When in Will Vardy's tent I made choice of a seat.

"A game at quoits," says the landlord, " will finish the day.
With the tent pins for hobs ye may lather away;"
But the cords were soon cut, made him sulky and glum,
For down came the tent and three bottles of rum.

So not to conclude-here's wishing fresh weather,
That the poor and the rich may rejoice altogether;
Let's fill up our glasses and loyally sing,
Long live the Prince Regent, and God save the King.
Lol de lol, etc.


Describes the freezing of the River Tyne in January 1814. The freeze began in December 1813 and froze the river for three days. At this time people went onto the river to skate and play games. ( Horse shoes, football , quoits…) Races were run on the ice, with prizes winners. On 31st January at least seven tents were set up on the river for sale of spirits. Fires were even lit There were dinner parties. Fiddlers and pipers provided music.


-William Mitford, "The Budget (1816)