National Poetry Day

[Maggie/915]

One favourite of mine was

Lochinvar.

A little too romantic maybe!

[Canny lass]

Great poem! "Laggard in love and dastard in war" - they don't write them like that anymore.

I Always read Netherton instead of Netherby.

[Maggie/915]

Save for his broadsword he weapons had none.

[James]

The best known Northumbrian poet is probably Joseph Skipsey and there is a lot of information about him on the internet. He has a connection with the Shire, having worked at a colliery at Choppington around 1859. This is mentioned in his biography and it's available on line - Joseph Skipsey-His Life and Works. His book of poems was published at Bedlington (see attachment) and the printer was George Richardson.

What is remarkable is that he started work underground as a 'trapper' when he was 7 year old- 12 hour shifts and a 6 day week.

 

Joseph Skipsey preface.pdf

Mother Wept by Joseph Skipsey.doc

[Maggie/915]

I believe the Skipsey family owned the Hirst Head Farm before the Swann family.

Maybe a long time ago 16th /17th century.

The poem on the Hartley Mining disaster by Joseph Skipsey is very emotional..

You imagine the families helpless above ground while their loved ones are alive but underground and trapped.

It took days for the miners to die .

Some were just young children.