Song about the recent changes to Newcastle. Between 1824 and 1860 Richard Grainger embarked on an extensive scheme of town planning, which involved the destruction or relocation of many of Newcastle's oldest districts. Despite providing the town with new markets, railway stations, houses and shops, not all the inhabitants of Newcastle were pleased with Grainger's changes and this is one of a number of songs which expresses concern at the loss of the 'old town'. The song is taken from Chater's canny Newcassel diary, a collection of local facts, tales, songs and other ephemera. The book was published by local printer J.W. Chater and forms part of a series of similar annuals and almanacs published by the same printer. A large majority of the songs were written especially for the publication, many as competition pieces which were judged by Chater. The various annuals contain contributions from many well known local composers such as Joe Wilson and would have been popular in their day. The books are now held at Beamish Museum. |
