The Hartlake Bridge Tragedy

from Songs by Ed, Will and Ginger

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about

In Kent, October 1858, a thunderstorm caused the Medway to burst its banks at the village of Hadlow.

In the flodd, a wooden bridge was washed away, just as thirty Gypsy and Irish hop-pickers were crossing in horse-drawn carts.

The victims’ bodies washed up at Golden Green, and were buried in Hadlow Churchyard.

This song is powerful reminder of human frailty to elemental power.
Hops, water and death make a rare strong song.

lyrics

Now seven and thirty strangers, a-hopping they had been,
They were ployed by mr Cox's, oh near old Golden green,
It was in the Parish of Hadlow, that’s near old Tonbridge town,
They heard the screams of those poor souls,
When they were going down.

Now some were men and women, and others girls and boys,
They kept in contract with the bridge, till the horses they took shy,
They kept in contract with the bridge, but the horses they took shy,
They heard the screams of those poor souls, when they were going down.

Now some were men and women, and others girls and boys,
They were ployed by mr Cox's, oh near old golden green,
It were in the parish of Hadlow, that’s near old Tonbridge town,
That’s where they laid all those poor souls, after they were drowned.

credits

from Songs, released January 1, 2010

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A Walk Around Britain UK

Wayfaring songs from journeys on foot around Britain.

With Ed, Will & Ginger. And others.

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