Learn more about the Bedford Level Wager: https://flatouthope.substack.com/p/the-bedford-level-and-flat-earth
Watch video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YDtWPthAPnM
Lyrics by Mischelle Sandowich:
This is the story of the Bedford Level Wager A bet recorded falsely in hist’ry, a rager John Hampden was a man who experimentally Had discovered earth was flat with no convexity
In Scientific Opinion, Hampden placed a note Searched for a science man to prove the earth is a globe Wallace said “Choose Me” and placed 500 pounds in trust In care of John Henry Walsh just as they had discussed
Wallace sketched some drawings of what he set out to prove Bedford level seemed a place all parties would approve He set up his test gear on an old unstable barge A scope sans cross hairs or level, though it was quite large
Mr. Hampden’s referee, Will Carpenter by name Insisted things be level for a truly fair game Wallace laughed and scoffed but could do nothing but agree To do the research over with proper gadgetry
A surveyor’s scope with Trowten Level, cross hairs too Was brought along to please Carpenter’s requested view They met on Welney Bridge with middle marker as guide Old Bedford bridge stood six miles on the other side
Instead of choosing the telescope of better class Wallace pulled a fast one and took out the larger glass He quickly asked his helper to scribble a note down No doubt we’ve proved once and for all that the earth is round
The marker in the middle, is clearly raised you see Carpenter, won’t you sign? It’s as clear as it can be Certainly, I will, Under protest you have cheated Without a crosshairs your results should be deleted
Carpenter insisted that he had no time for joke Spirit level and cross hairs were needed in the scope Dismissive, Hampden said, “Have it your way if you please.” But they’re not needed to prove what eye already sees.
Carpenter was indignant. He did not want his way. He only wanted truth and justice to win that day. Without the crosshairs or level, they would never know Who had proved if water had a curved or level flow
The new pure sketches were drawn and signed by both parties There is no doubt each side felt like they were the smartest. In the carriage, Mr. Hampden asked if all was right No doubt we’ll win our case. It was a beautiful sight.
Three points splendidly inline, equidistant in view. How absurd to suppose that large telescope would do. Without cross hairs or level and only two points seen. No worries tomorrow this will all feel like a dream.
The dream turned into a nightmare the very next day Wallace’s referee refused to talk any way He called the police to have him removed from the hall They were forced to appoint Walsh to make the final call
Mr Wallace seemed to orchestrate behind the scenes Carpenter silenced from explaining his side of things Walsh too refused to listen, saying Wallace was rightWhy? Because Wallace had persuaded him in a plight.
Carpenter ne’er had a chance to discuss a detail Even the Field wouldn’t publish his side of the tale It seemed like the whole world was fighting against the truth The same story as those in the right trying to sleuth
Both sketches were presented in the Field magazine Walsh called Wallace the winner without saying a thing. A reader accused Carpenter’s images as fraud For if they were real he should have received all the laud.
Walsh published glaring mistakes that makes one question why. Couldn’t even get the name of the bridges all right. The whole thing smelled like a snake many facts in distort Seeking justice, the wager was overturned in court.
Mr Hampden displeased with the entire ordeal, Held a final ace in his hand as we shall reveal Although history reckons it one thing remains still The same water remains this day untainted and real
It’s waiting for you to do the testing for yourself To open your eyes and see that water’s not convex, Water is designed by God to always find its rest Seas are level and water doesn’t naturally flex
Music and Performance by Suno Video Produced by FlatOutHope
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