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Singing Histories: London

In 2009 the English Folk Dance and Song Society worked in partnership with Sing London to produce Singing Histories: London. This is an illustrated song booklet which tells the fascinating story of London through its historic songs.

The booklet includes:

  • Street traders’ rhymes
  • Ballads about the river, love, war, crime and punishment
  • Local rhymes and ditties
  • Songs of London pride.

 

Singing Histories: London contains musical notation, song words, background information and historical details. It showcases material gathered from sound recordings and manuscripts in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library’s archive (based at Cecil Sharp House) and elsewhere, giving an unusual perspective on London life throughout the ages.

To help the Singing Histories: London booklet be used in the classroom, we have created a series of curriculum linked notes. We have also made recordings of the songs featured, all of which are available to download for free.

Resource booklets and notes Singing Histories: London