The Lads of Wamphray
Encyclopedia
The Lads of Wamphray is Child ballad 184, existing in fragmentary form. According to Walter Scott
and others, the ballad concerns a 16th century feud between reiving
families from Wamphray in the Scottish Borders
.
When the ballad resumes, the Galiard has taken a horse, but it proves not fast enough; he is captured, and his captors hang him. His nephew sees, raises men, and avenges his death. They return home safely.
took inspiration from this for his 1905 work The Lads Of Wamphray March, his first composition for wind band.
Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, popular throughout much of the world during his time....
and others, the ballad concerns a 16th century feud between reiving
Border Reivers
Border Reivers were raiders along the Anglo–Scottish border from the late 13th century to the beginning of the 17th century. Their ranks consisted of both Scottish and English families, and they raided the entire border country without regard to their victims' nationality...
families from Wamphray in the Scottish Borders
Border Country
Border Country is a novel by Raymond Williams. The book was re-published in December 2005 as one of the first group of titles in the Library of Wales series, having been out of print for several years. Written in English, the novel was first published in 1960.It is set in rural South Wales, close...
.
Synopsis
The ballad opens with a description of the robberies of the Galiard and Galiard's men before the text breaks off.When the ballad resumes, the Galiard has taken a horse, but it proves not fast enough; he is captured, and his captors hang him. His nephew sees, raises men, and avenges his death. They return home safely.
Adaptations
Percy GraingerPercy Grainger
George Percy Aldridge Grainger , known as Percy Grainger, was an Australian-born composer, arranger and pianist. In the course of a long and innovative career he played a prominent role in the revival of interest in British folk music in the early years of the 20th century. He also made many...
took inspiration from this for his 1905 work The Lads Of Wamphray March, his first composition for wind band.
Sources
- Walter Scott, Minstrelsy of the Scottish border (1802)
- C L Johnstone, The Historical Families of Dunfriesshire and the Border Wars (1878)