A similar version of this comic song was printed in “The Story of Purton” (1919) by Ethel Richardson as “The Village Baker” with the note “From Mr John Greenham”, noting that the song has been “well known in the neighbourhood” and is even based on a local tale. Apart from that, we know that it was published in the “National Prize Medal Song Book” (1874). However, Mr Mills’ version is the only one to be found in tradition.

Notes by Gwilym Davies