In our first episode we delve into the mystery of that enigmatic song fragment, Flandyke Shore. Made famous in modern times by the wonderful Nic Jones, this song has a long history going back to the 17th Century, and draws on even older themes.

Handed Down is written, presented and performed by Jenny Shaw.

Thank you to Stones Barn, Cumbria, and the wider Stones Barn community for starting me on this journey and encouraging me along the way. Stones Barn runs fantastic singing and traditional music courses and is always friendly and fun. I’m not affiliated with them and they don’t pay me to say this, I just like them and want to share the love! Find out more at http://stonesbarn.co.uk 

Thank you as always to Steven Shaw for all the encouragement, and for giving this podcast its name.

Music

The recording of Flandyke Shore is based on the version by Nic Jones on his album Penguin Eggs.

The music accompanying the 17th Century sections of the story is an original arrangement based on the tune The Rich Merchantman which can be found here: https://abcnotation.com/tunePage?a=www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/Olson/BM3.ABC/0093

The song Mill of Tifty’s Annie (Andrew Lammie) is traditional and my recording is influenced by the versions of several artists including Iona Fyfe and Martin Simpson.

Other references

The Unnatural Mother: http://ebba.ds.lib.ucdavis.edu/ballad/21738/image 

An analysis of Flanders Shore: https://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/LyCr2090.html

Flandyke Shore on the Mainly Norfolk website: https://mainlynorfolk.info/nic.jones/songs/theflandykeshore.html

Origins of Flandyke Shore discussed on Mudcat Café: https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=13405