Husbandman and Servingman
Oxford Ramble track 18
From Ray and Fred Cantwell, singing brothers from Standlake in Oxfordshire, recorded in November 1956 by Peter Kennedy. A similar version was taken down elsewhere in Oxfordshire in 1916, from William Walton of Adderbury. The song dates back at least to the seventeenth century, as it was included in the Percy Society's Loyal Garland of 1686. With a completely different tune, it is sung as part of the Mummers' play at Symondsbury in Dorset.
Ian and I knew the song from the version recorded in the early seventies by Peter Bellamy and Royston Wood of the Young Tradition. However on listening to the Cantwell's original, it was clear that the YT had barely changed the arrangement.
Watch Video