English and Scottish Ballads, Volume VII

This volume gathers a vivid tapestry of England’s and Scotland’s medieval and early‑modern lore, preserving the raw language and rhythmic pulse of the original verses. From the clangor of battlefield chants to tender verses of love and loss, the ballads capture the passions and politics that shaped the borderlands, all presented with careful notes that guide listeners through archaic spellings and historical references.

The collection opens with the dramatic clash at Otterbourne, where rival commanders and daring warriors collide in a night‑time skirmish that sets the tone for the rest of the anthology. Throughout, listeners will encounter tales of heroic raids, tragic betrayals, and the everyday lives of common folk, each song echoing the cultural heartbeat of its age while inviting modern ears to experience the timeless drama of these storied traditions.