Words and Poetry

List of Contents
A Lancashire Mon - More dialect poetry from the pen of proud Lancastrian Henry Yates, this time in proud and patriotic mood singing the praises of the red rose county.
A Legend of Montrose - A synopsis of this novel by Sir Walter Scott, set in Scotland during the civil "Wars of the three kingdoms" in the 17th century, with the Royalist army of the Earl of Montrose set against that of the Presbyterian Covenanters supporting Parliament led by the Marquis of Argyle.
A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea - A classic ballad on a nautical theme by scottish writer and poet Allan Cunningham, born in Dumfries, he was a contemporary and neighbour of Robert Burns who was to have a huge influence on the development of his literary talent.
Aw've Turned Mi Bit O' Garden O'er - A poem from Samuel Laycock in the Lancashire dialect with subject matter very relevant to this part of the world, where the cotton industry was established and flourished. Although the industry has long been consigned to history, this poem provides a fascinating insight into the pastimes and culture of the times.
Boat Song - Poetry from the pen of Sir Walter Scott, inspired by the historic war between the lowland Scots army of King James V and the highland clans led by Roderick Dhu of Clan Alpine.
Calm is the Sea - A poetic descriptive choral classic by Heinrich Pfeil 1835 - 1899, with English words by John Guard, a popular feature of many Male Voice Choir concerts in past decades.
David Copperfield - An 1850 novel by Charles Dickens documenting the early life of the title character as with the help of loyal freinds he confronts and overcomes adversity to achieve literary success and happiness.
Dombey and Son - A short review of this excellent book by Charles Dickens and a brief extract, a poignant picture in words featuring Mr Morfin and Harriet Carker (sister to John and James) in the period after the fall of the house of Dombey.
Dover Harbour - A review and synopsis of a 1942 novel by Thomas Armstrong. A thrilling adventure novel set in the town of Dover during the years 1789 - 1809 against the background of the French revolution and the ensuing Napoleonic wars.
Dust upon God's Fair Earth - An unusual exercise in imaginative writing, this short story demonstrates a powerful command of language and represents perhaps the blossoming of a remarkable literary talent. Written by fifth year pupil J Taylor, it is transcribed here from the summer 1960 edition of the Thomas Linacre School (Wigan) magazine.
God Bless these Poor Wimmen that's Childer - Poetry in the Lancashire dialect from the pen of Thomas Brierley 1828 - 1909.
High Flight - A poignant poem by American, Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee of 412 squadron Royal Canadian Air Force, killed on a Spitfire training flight in 1941 at the age of only 19.
Hymn Before Action - Probably inspired by the Boar Wars and his fears for the future in the face of increasing antagonism throughout the Empire, this is a rather remarkable but surprising composition for a man who described himself as a God fearing atheist. Written in 1896 by Rudyard Kipling it predates the Great War but echos the sentiments felt by thousands affected by the terrible carnage in the trenches of the Somme and Flanders fields, including the author himself whose son John was killed in action at the battle of Loos 27th September 1915.
Jeff Unsworth's Dialect Poetry - Some wonderful dialect verse on subjects which most Wiganers of a certain age will be able to relate to and enjoy, including: Th'istry of Wiggin; The Story of Mab's Cross; The Road to Wiggin Pier; Worra Palava at Bedtime; Scithers, Combs un Pensuls; Ceawnt Thi Blessins; Mi Ony Luv.
King Cotton - A review and extract from a classic 1947 novel by Thomas Armstrong about the 19th century Lancashire cotton industry, in the context of the American Civil War and the consequent cotton famine.
Martin Chuzzlewit - Classic Dickens at his best, in this epic novel written in 1843 a year after the author's trip to America.
Martyrs of the Arena - A male voice classic blockbuster popular with choirs throughout the country during practically the whole of the twentieth century. With poetic words by J S Stallybrass set to music by French composer Laurent De Rille this choral classic was always guaranteed to please a discerning audience.
Mind Your Language - A humorous poem by "the bard of Haydock" George Anderton, inspired by memories of a trip to Bad Canstatt, Stuttgart Germany with the Haydock Male Voice Choir in 1975. This publication will bring a smile to the faces of not only those members who were there at the time and know the people involved but the wider population of Haydock as well who speak the language.
Only a Cranky Owd Foo' - A classic Lancashire dialect poem by Stalybridge poet Samuel Hill, 1864 - 1910.
On Th' Hills - John Trafford Clegg waxes lyrical in his native Lancashire dialect about the beauty to be found in nature.
Redgauntlet - A review and synopsis of an 1824 novel by Sir Walter Scott set in Edinburgh and the borders around the Solway firth, in 1765 against a background of two decades of Hanoverian rule and Jacobite zealots still clinging to the cause of Charles Edward Stewart.
Rogue Herries - A novel by Hugh Walpole, first published 1930. The story of the Herries family, their fortunes and adventures, set in Borrowdale in the Lake District, in Hanoverian England between 1730 and 1774.
The Antiquary - A review and synopsis of this fine novel set in Scotland in the late 18th century, a mysterious, dramatic but heartwarming story written in 1816.
The Armada - A nautical poem by Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800 - 1859), lawyer, poet, historian, politician and fine orator, born in Leicestershire he became member of parliament for Leeds and held several ministerial posts.
The Bride of Lammermoor - A review and synopsis of a novel by Sir Walter Scott, first published 1819. A tragic love story set in Scotland in the early 18th century, the storyline becoming the basis for Donizetti's 1835 opera, Lucia di Lammermoor.
Th' Coartin' Neet - Samuel Laycock again in his own inimitable style, this time waxing lyrical about his romantic attachment to Rosy Bell and his aspirations and fears for the future.
The Cottage - A poem by John Clare (1793 - 1864), inspired 'after reading in a letter proposals for building a cottage'.
The Darkling Thrush - A prolific novelist and poet Thomas Hardy is perhaps one of the most talented. This poem is just one example of his work and one of his best, demonstrating his command of language and his ability to capture contrasting mood with the most wonderful imagery.
The Donkey - G K Chesterton waxing lyrical with verses maybe alluding to the religious side of his nature.
The Fair Rosamund - This page is dedicated to all those train spotters who never wondered why Class 47 diesel 47618 was so named! Rosamund Clifford, legendary beauty and mistress to twelfth century King of England Henry II, daughter of Walter de Clifford of Clifford Castle Herefordshire. Reputedly killed by a jealous Queen Eleanor (of Aquitaine) but more probably died of natural causes in a convent at Godstow in Oxfordshire. These are two poetic accounts of her fascinating story, also the subject of a fine opera by Donnizetti (Rosmonda d'Inghilterra).
The Family Man - A fine poem by a local man set in the context of a very enjoyable family gathering in the beautiful English Lake District to celebrate the poet's 80th birthday. Very reminiscent of William Wordworth's style this recent composition contains many references to the seasons and landscapes with which the earlier poet would have been familiar.
The Glory of the Garden - A poem by Rudyard Kipling and another superb example of his art, this time applying his language skills and inimitable writing style to a subject matter close to every Englishman's (and woman's) heart.
The Heart of Midlothian - A brief synopsis and extract from this wonderful novel by Sir Walter Scott. Set in the mid-eighteenth century, it relates the trials and tribulations of the Deans, a family of farmers on the outskirts of Edinburgh, a case of infanticide and the contrasting fortunes of two very different daughters.
The Pickwick Papers - Meet the Pickwickians in this humorous romp through the southern counties of England, packed with adventure and misadventure in equal measure.
The Rolling English Road - Some humurous verse from the pen of G K Chesterton.
The Wanderer - An intriguing poem adapted from "Wit and Drollery" 1661 (author anonymous), set to music by Sir Edward Elgar.
The Wreck of the Hesperus - Source of mother's favourite saying, probably dating from her early education at St Thomas' School Caroline Street Wigan.
Toddlin' Whoam - A wonderful dialect poem from the pen of Edwin Waugh, waxing lyrical and extoling the virtues of family life as he makes his way homeward after a hard day in the office.
Tommy - Classic poetry from the pen of Joseph Rudyard Kipling 1865-1936 giving an insight into the contradictions in the life of an ordinary infantryman.
Under Milk Wood - A short overview of this Radio Play by Dylan Thomas, some extracts and a short biography of the author.
When Winds Breathe Soft - A classic poetic and majestic choral seascape with words and music by Samuel Webbe 1740 - 1816, a firm favourite with male voice choirs, choral societies and audiences alike for many decades.
Wisdom - Classic Lancashire dialect poetry from Henry Yates as he reflects upon the folly of youth and comes to appreciate the maturity and experience based wisdom of an older generation.

Stein am Rhein

Some Links to other reading - follow the link behind the picture

Cherry Gardens Wigan

The Fair Maid of Perth

Lake, Mesnes Park Wigan

A Walk in the Hills

Shelter, Mesnes Park Wigan

The Bohemian Girl

Farthingale Publications: ..... Is a hobby web site containing articles of local interest to Lancastrians, some favourite walking and cycling routes, selected words and poetry, and some writings of more general nature as well as the authors own picture gallery. Access is available via the homepage and menu at the head of the page or via one of the direct links below.

Local Interest: A Cricket Calypso; A Lancashire Lullaby; Dust Upon God's Fair Earth; God's Choir; Isaac Watts 1674 - 1748; It's a Funny Life; John Byrom 1692 - 1793; John Lancaster Wigan MP; Jubilee Park Memorial, Ashton in Makerfield; Little Ships at War 1918; Mind Your Language; Not Much of a Warrior; Peveril of the Peak; Private Thomas Whitham VC; Richmond Hill Dairies; Scot Lane School Wigan; The Brocklebank Line; The Farewell; The Holy City Liverpool; The Lindsays of Haigh; The Nurburgring 1960; Thomas Aspinwall Miners Agent; Thomas Aspinwall Obituary; Thomas Linacre School Wigan; Upholland Telephone Exchange; Wigan Advertisements 1960; Wigan Old Bank 1792; Wigan Soldier Missing in Action.
Walking & Cycling: Abbey Lakes to Coppull Moor; A Day in the Douglas Valley; A Lancashire Linear Walk; Blackrod or Bust; Chorley Ice Cream Walk; Cycle the Monsal Trail; Cycle the Sankey Valley; Douglas Valley Dawdle; Freshfield to Crosby; Haigh to Borsdane Wood; Irwell Valley Trail (Bury to Rawtenstall); Irwell Valley Trail (Bury to Salford); Moss Eccles Tarn; Three Counties Cycle Ride; Wigan Circular by Bike.
Words & Poetry: A Lancashire Mon; A Legend of Montrose; A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea; Aw’ve Turned me bit O' Garden O'er; Boat Song; Calm is the Sea; David Copperfield; Dombey and Son; Dover Harbour; Dust upon God's Fair Earth; God Bless these Poor Wimmen that's Childer; High Flight; Hymn Before Action; Jeff Unsworth's dialect poetry; King Cotton; Martin Chuzzlewit; Martyrs of the Arena; Mind Your Language; Only a Cranky Owd Foo'; On Th' Hills; Redgauntlet; Rogue Herries; The Antiquary; The Armada; The Bride of Lammermoor; Th' Coartin' Neet; The Cottage; The Darkling Thrush; The Donkey; The Fair Rosamond; The Fair Rosamond Comic; The Family Man; The Glory of the Garden; The Heart of Midlothian; The Pickwick Papers; The Rolling English Road; The Wanderer; The Wreck of the Hesperus; Toddlin' Whoam; Tommy; Under Milk Wood; When Winds Breathe Soft; Wisdom.
Wallgate Chronicles: Adolphe Adam; A Tale of Two Cities; A Walk in the Hills; Barnaby Rudge; Bookcase; Cat Bells; Desert Island Discs; Eay Times Uv Changed; Fidelio; Frank Whittle and the Jet Engine; Fun with Trigonometry; Hard Times; Hugo Boss comes to Wigan; In the footsteps of the Manchester Rambler; Ivanhoe; Little Dorrit; Lohengrin; Nicholas Nickleby; Our Mutual Friend; Rob Roy; Romance on a Budget; Semele; Surprise at the Philharmonic; The Battle of Solferino; The Bohemian Girl; The Fair Maid of Perth; The Force of Destiny; The Getaway Car; The Marriage of Figaro; The Old Curiosity Shop; The Ravioli Room; The Spectroscope; The Switchroom Wigan; Travels in Time 1960; Travels in Time 2010.