Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien

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Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!

20 Feb 11 - 04:59 PM (#3099316)
Subject: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Has anyone come across a song about the Manchester Martyrs which has the following chorus:

On the scaffold they gazed around them
Three gallant heroes for to be seen
And from miles around them they came in thousands
For to see Allen, Larkin and O'Brien

Regards

21 Feb 11 - 07:55 AM (#3099657)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Refresh

22 Feb 11 - 06:08 PM (#3100674)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

... and again...

No offers?

27 Feb 11 - 11:39 AM (#3103605)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: Jim Dixon

The following lyrics, without a title, are quoted in Passing the Time in Ballymenone: Culture and History of an Ulster Community by Henry H. Glassie (Bloomington : Indiana University Press, 1995), page 287:

It was in September, I well remember,
Three noble heroes from Manchester came.
It's on their intention, I am going to mention,
To free old Ireland from our trodden chains.

The police viewed them as if they knew them,
And for to subdue them, they did not fail.
Aw, they did surround them, with handcuffs bound them,
And they marched them off to their county jail.

When Allen heard of his men being taken,
To O'Brien and Larkin he quickly flew,
Sayin' for every man to go to the van
And to smash it open and set them free.

My local friends now what happened after,
Those three young heroes as you may plainly see.
Now judge and jury has found them guilty
And they died three martyrs for their country.

It was on the scaffold they gazed around them.
Not a man from Erin could there be seen.
Aye, and for miles around them, they came in thousands
To see them die for the love of green.

The bolt was drawing, those three young heroes,
For God and Ireland stood heart in hand,
And the blood flowing down from the English scaffold,
And they died three martyrs for Ireland.

Their beds was made in the highest heaven,
And the holy angels around them sing.
And Saint Patrick met them with a crown of glory,
Sayin', "Welcome, martyrs from Ireland."

27 Feb 11 - 11:59 AM (#3103623)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Brilliant, Jim! That's very close to the song I was asked to trace - which I'll post later. Curiously enough, a part of the problem was that it was untitled - as is the one you found...

Regards

27 Feb 11 - 03:20 PM (#3103767)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Very odd! I posted the version I had - and it disappeared into thin air... Mind you, my ISP has been behaving oddly all weekend. I'll try again later.

Regards

28 Feb 11 - 04:06 AM (#3104049)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: Jim Carroll

Hi Martin,
For what they're worth, these are my anotations to the version we recorded from Waterford Traveller Bill Bryan.
Jim Carroll

On November 23rd. 1867, William Phillip Allen, Michael Larkin and Michael O'Brien were executed by public hanging, for their part in the escape of two leading members of the Fenian movement, Thomas Kelly and Timothy Deasy from a prison van transporting them to Belle Vue Gaol in Manchester. In the course of the escape a policeman was accidentally shot and killed. The executions were responsible for a huge increase in popular support for Fenianism in Ireland and the partial reconciliation between the Catholic Church and The Fenian Movement.
A number of songs and poems appeared commemorating the incident, this version being similar to the one found in O Lochlainn's, More Irish Street Ballads, though there are textual differences.

Reference
The Manchester Martyrs; A Fenian Tragedy. Paul Rose (MP)
More Irish Street Ballads. Colm O Lochlainn

28 Feb 11 - 04:32 AM (#3104060)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Thanks for pointing out that version, Jim. Interestingly, my own copy of MISB has "Anach Cuan" written beside the music notation - looks like I was thinking of learning it!

Regards

01 Mar 11 - 03:46 AM (#3104782)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: Jim Carroll

An interesting (to me, at least) footnote to the incident.
Jim Carroll

"The last person publicly hanged in Britain was Michael Barrett, a member of the Fenian Society, forerunners of the IRA, found guilty of participation in the deadly explosion set off outside Clerkenwell Prison in London in December 1867. Gunpowder had been fired in an attempt to liberate Richard O'Sullivan-Burke, a senior figure in the Fenian movement. Things went disastrously wrong, and an adjacent row of terraced houses was destroyed in the blast. Reports vary about casualties, with some claiming 12 deaths, but in the court case only two names were given, Martha Thompson and Humphrey Evans."

01 Mar 11 - 08:53 AM (#3104915)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: GUEST, Sminky

A version with the title A Lament for the Manchester Convicts.

01 Mar 11 - 08:59 AM (#3104920)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: GUEST, Sminky

......and three more at the Bodleian.

01 Mar 11 - 09:17 AM (#3104933)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Thanks for those, Sminky.

Regards

10 Mar 11 - 11:02 PM (#3111407)
Subject: Lyr Add: A LAMENT FOR THE MANCHESTER CONVICTS
From: Jim Dixon

My transcription from a broadside at Chetham's Library:

A LAMENT FOR THE MANCHESTER CONVICTS.

1. In the county gaol at Salford, those poor unhappy men
Upon the fatal gallows tree their precious lives did end.
The jury [found] them guilty and they are doomed, you see,
For the murder of Sergeant Brett to suffer on the fatal tree.

CHORUS: Allen, Larkin, and Gould, you see,
Have suffered on the fatal tree.

2. On the 18th of September, some persons formed a plan
To assemble on the Hyde Road to attack the prison van.
To rescue Kelly and Deasey to the railway arch they went,
But to take the life of anyone was never their intent.

3. But oh, alas! they were condemned and sentenced for to be
Publicly executed on the fatal gallows tree.
Let's hope the Lord has forgiven them, and Christians far and near
Sympathise with weeping friends, their wives and children dear.

4. When those poor men they were condemned and asked what they'd to say,
Allen, he got up and spoke in a bold and fearless way.
He said that he was innocent, but made this bold reply:
For poor oppressed Ireland, on the gallows he would die.

5. Then Larkin he got up and spoke and said he'd not deny
That he was at Belle Vue that day. He went there for to try
To rescue Kelly and Deasey. He did his best that day,
But he never fired a shot or took a human life away.

6. Gould and Shore they spoke in turn and made a bold reply.
They said they'd done no murder but were willing for to die.
[...] to the hangman they would yield,
But would rather fight for Ireland and die on the battlefield.

7. Now to conclude and finish these lines that I do pen:
May the Lord above receive the soul of those poor, poor unhappy men.
It was a shocking sight to see them stand to meet their doom,
And suffer on the fatal tree in vigour, health and bloom.

10 Mar 11 - 11:32 PM (#3111417)
Subject: Lyr Add: W. P. ALLEN, M. O'BRIEN, M. LARKIN
From: Jim Dixon

My transcription from a broadside at The Bodleian Library, 2806 c.8(72) (the first of 3 songs on that sheet):

In your Charity, pray for the Souls of
W. P. Allen, M. O'Brien, M. Larkin,
Who were Executed on November the 23rd, 1867.
May they rest in Peace—Amen.

1. Each feeling hearted Christian, of high and low degree,
Incline your heart to pity and listen unto me
Concerning those three young men was martyred in their gore,
And from this sinful world they're gone for evermore.

2. Pray for Allen, O'Brien, and Larkin, who died on the gallows tree
The 23rd of November; long remembered it shall be
When those three suffering victims cut down in youth and bloom
And from this sinful world to fill a martyr's tomb.

3. On the 23rd of November, the year of sixty-seven,
The souls of those dear Irishmen winged their way to heaven
Accompanied by the angels unto that blest abode
To fill the crowds of martyrs in the presence of their God.

4. Dear Larkin from this loving wife by death was snatched away
And left four weeping orphans for to lament the day;
But the husband to the widow will keep her in his care,
And the father of the fatherless of them he will take care.

5. Adieu, my loving children I nursed upon my knee.
Your tears will be unbearing(?) when we ascend the gallows tree.
We bid farewell to all our friends on earth we love so dear.
We leave this sinful world all with our consciences clear.

6. All nature seemed to mourn, all on their dying day,
While myriads of the heavenly host bore their blest souls away
Unto that peaceful region their Saviour to adore.
We'll commemorate their memory 'til time will be no more.

7. God save poor suffering Ireland that's weeping in her chains,
And send down heavenly blessings upon her fertile plains.
We forgive our prosecutors from the bottom of our heart,
And from this sinful world we're reconciled to part.

8. Now to conclude and finish, I have no more to say.
In communion join together and pray both night and day
Unto our great Redeemer to guide us on our way,
That with them we'll stand at God's right hand on the great accounting day.

11 Mar 11 - 02:14 AM (#3111446)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien - without van!
From: MartinRyan

Thanks, Jim - and all who have contributed to this thread.

Regards

11 Mar 11 - 07:24 AM (#3111597)
Subject: Lyr Add: ALLEN, LARKIN, & O'BRIEN (from Bodleian)
From: Jim Dixon

My transcription from a broadside at The Bodleian Library, 2806 c. 8(73) (the second of 3 songs on that sheet):

[Many parts are barely legible and I had to guess at several words.]

A Lamentation on
Allen, Larkin, & O'Brien
Who was Executed at Manchester,
On the 23rd of Nov. '67

Good people all both great & small that hears my cause, bewail
That day now terminated(?) our ...(?) before Manchester gaol
For the deed of murder we are now condemned to die
And pay the penalty of that crime upon the gallows high.

John Allen, Larkin, and O'Brien to Ireland did belong
Their friends they all wished them well and ...(?) they did no wrong.
For the shooting of Sergeant Brett our lives were took away
And for the breaking of the van and demanding of the key.

November the 23rd will be remembered well
When Larkin's wife and children came to take their last farewell
It would grieve your heart to see the night, in grief you would deplore
When they bid farewell in the dark cell to part & meet no more.

Saturday, November the 23rd at the hour of eight o'clock
Three young men in(?) their bloom stood on the fatal trap
They(?) kissed, shook hands, and parted, in love and unity(?)
And in one moment after went(?) into eternity.

The morning that young Allen died, as he lay in his cell
The aged mother came to him to take the last farewell
He says, my loving mother, ...(?) abroad ...(?) come you ne'er will see
And in(?) my own Green Erin, I die for love of thee!

At an early hour this morning what trouble filled our hearts
When father G...(?) that holy man such(?) words to us expressed.
Come take this blessed Crucifix and with courage follow me
For we go to meet our merciful Lord who died on Calvary.

The Marchioness of Queensbury three hundred pounds has sent(?)
To help their suffering families it is her full intent
Should a subscription now be raised, as we expect will be
To keep their wives and children from want and misery.

...(?) friends and relations, to you all we bid adieu
...(?) from this world we now must part with you
...(?) we hope to gain ...(?) we freely forgive all men
May the Lord have mercy on our souls—good Christians say amen(?).

11 Mar 11 - 04:26 PM (#3111922)
Subject: Lyr Add: WM ALLEN, MICHL O'BRIEN, MICHL LARKIN
From: Jim Dixon

My transcription from a broadside at The Bodleian Library, 2806 c.8(74) (the third of 3 songs on that sheet):

[A few words are uncertain because of legibility problems of the image.]

Lines on the
Funeral Procession,
Which took place in Cork City on Sunday, Dec., 1st, to the Memory of
Wm Allen, Michl O'Brien, Michl Larkin
May they rest in Peace. (By J. O'C).

1. You sons of the green land of Erin,
Whose hearts beat with true sympathy,
Remember those three Irish heroes
Who died upon a gallows tree
In Manchester, New Bailey Prison,
Their bodies(?) are now mouldering away,
But we hope that their souls are in heaven
A tribute to them we will pay.

CHORUS: Now pray for the souls of those martyrs
Who sleeps in a cold silent grave,
William Allen, O'Brien, and Larkin,
Whose hearts were most noble and brave.

2. On Sunday the first of December—
The day long remembered shall be—
To commemorate the twenty-third of November,
The brave men of Cork did agree.
The ladies with them all united,
The scene was most grand to behold.
As they marched, the death-mourners recited
A prayer for the brave men that's lying cold.

3. Then solemn and slow in procession
The school boys at first did advance,
With crapes and rosettes decorated,
And then come the Temperance Band.
The dead-march they played in good order.
The sight was most grand to be seen.
And then came old Granua's fair daughters,
The pride of old Erin the green!

4. The trades with the Young Men's Society
Came forth for to honour the dead.
They acted with reverence and piety,
And many the tears there were shed.
The windows and housetops were crowded
From the Marsh up to sweet Evergreen,
And all joined in prayer for those martyrs
As they gazed on the death-stricken scene.

5. In the midst of the throng came the bier.
On each side were the names of the brave:
William Allen, Michael Larkin, and O'Brien,
Who sleeps in a cold silent grave.
Then on to the Botanic Gardens
We conveyed them, though not their remains.
Thanks to heaven their troubles are over.
They're free from both handcuffs and chains!

6. When that grand solemn duty was over,
The processionists all joined in prayer,
And each man both gentle and sober
Straightway to their homes did repair.
Here's a health to the daughters of Erin.
They never forgotten should be.
And those who're in prison bewailing,
May we see them at their liberty!

11 Mar 11 - 04:53 PM (#3111939)
Subject: Lyr Add: A LAMENTATION ON ALLEN, LARKIN, AND GOOLD
From: Jim Dixon

My transcription from a broadside at The Bodleian Library, 2806 b.10(130):

[This is very similar to 2806 c. 8(73)—see above—but much more legible.]

A Lamentation
On Allen, Larkin, and Goold [sic], who were
Executed at Manchester, on 23rd November 1867

Good people all, both great and small, that hears my cause, bewail.
This day now terminates our fate before Manchester gaol.
For the foul deed of murder, we are condemned to die,
And pay the penalty of that crime upon the gallows high.

John Allen, Gould, and Larkin, to Ireland did belong.
Their friends all did wish them well and saw they did no wrong.
For the shooting Constable Sergeant Brett, our lives were took away,
And for the breaking of the van and demanding of the key.

November the 23rd will be remembered well,
When Larkin's wife and children came to take their last farewell.
It would grieve your heart to see that sight. In grief you would deplore,
When they bade farewell in the dead cell to part and meet no more.

Saturday, November 23rd at the hour of eight o'clock,
Three young men all in their bloom stood on the fatal drop.
They kissed, shook hands, and parted in love and unity,
And in one moment after sent into eternity.

The morning that young Allen died, as he lay in his cell,
His aged mother came to him to take her last farewell.
Down in his bended knees did fall, and her blessing he did crave,
Saying, your one and only son is doomed to meet an early grave.

At an early hour this morning what trouble filled our breasts
When father Gould(?) that holy man to us those words expressed:
Come take this blessed crucifix and with courage follow me.
Ye are going to meet your merciful Lord who died on Calvary.

The Marchioness of Queensbury three hundred pounds has sent,
To help these suffering families it is her full intent.
Should a subscription now be raised, as we expect will be,
To keep their wives and families from want and misery.

Farewell, friends and relations, to you all we bid adieu.
For ever from this world we now must part with you.
As we hope to gain salvation, we freely forgive all men.
May the Lord have mercy on our souls—good Christians say—amen.

11 Mar 11 - 07:06 PM (#3112006)
Subject: Lyr Add: THE EXECUTION OF ALLEN, GOULD, AND LARKIN
From: Jim Dixon

My transcription from a broadside at The Bodleian Library, 2806 b.10(57):

LAMENTABLE LINES
On the Execution of
Allen, Gould, and Larkin
Executed at Manchester, on November 23rd, 1867.

You married men and women all, attend unto my theme.
Each tender heart that stands around will mourn for the same.
Three brave undaunted Irishmen in Manchester has died,
All for loving Ireland. It was their only pride.

The subjects of those mournful lines, the[y] bore(?) three Irish names.
They went unto America, and there won rank and fame.
For no base action they have died. They came with heart and hand
And left behind the Stars and Stripes to see their native land.

When they received their sentence, they spoke with courage brave.
They said they thanked their counsel, that strove their lives to save.
Likewise the English reformers, as plain it may be seen.
When all things failed, those gentlemen went forward to the Queen.

Alas, my friends, what shall we say? Our misery grew worse
When the painful tidings it came back, that the law should take its course,
And those three Irish patriots in Manchester did die.
They never shot Sergeant Brett, they fervently did cry.

When brave Larkin standing on the drop, he offered up his prayer
For his four helpless children, all in their mother's care.
May the Lord be with you, Ireland. For you I give my life.
For you alone I part with all my children and my wife.

Now to conclude and finish, let every Christian pray.
May the Lord above look down with love upon their ...(?) day,
And may the Blessed Virgin prove a mother to the three,
And get their souls eternal rest with the Blessed Trinity.