James Robson (poet and songwriter) facts for kids

James Robson (who passed away around May 6, 1757) was a landowner, poet, and songwriter from Northumberland, England. He was also involved in a historical rebellion known as the Jacobite Rising.

James Robson's Early Life

James Robson was born in Northumberland, likely in or near a small village called Thropton, close to Rothbury. He was known as a "freeholder," which means he owned land in the village.

Joining the Jacobite Rebellion

James Robson became a Jacobite. This means he supported James Francis Edward Stuart, also known as the Old Pretender. The Jacobites believed that James Stuart, the son of the former King James II, was the rightful heir to the British throne.

In 1715, James Robson took part in the First Jacobite Rising, which was a rebellion against the ruling king. During this uprising, the King's troops, led by General Carpenter, marched to meet the rebels.

Capture and Imprisonment

The King's troops met the Jacobite rebels at Preston. After some fighting, the rebels surrendered. James Robson of Thropton was among those captured and was sent to Preston Jail.

It's believed that James Robson was a musician. Some historical papers describe him as a "leader of a band" in the Pretender's army. John Bell, a folk music expert, wrote that James Robson was "a musician in the rebel army." It's not clear if he started writing poetry and songs before or during his time in prison.

James Robson's Family Life

According to a historical book called "Archaeologia Aeliana," James Robson married a woman named Mary. Sadly, Mary passed away in 1723.

Later Years and Freedom

After his time in prison, James Robson, described as a "Jacobite bandsman," was eventually set free. Records from Rothbury Parish show that his family's baptism records stopped around 1714, but then in 1723, there's a burial record for "Mary, wife of James Robson, Thropton." Later, on May 6, 1757, the burial of "James Robson of Thropton" is recorded.

James Robson's Writings

James Robson was known for his poetry and songs. Here are some of his works:

• Satyr Upon Women: This song was partly written while he was held in Preston prison in 1715. John Bell described it as a "Satire upon Women."

* A story about this song says that James Robson sang it from his prison window. A lady and her maid were walking in a garden nearby. When he finished, the lady felt sorry for him and gave him a half-crown (a coin) through the bars. It's said he was very hungry at the time.

• A Song: This song was composed by James Robson about Mr. Coughron and his family leaving Hebron Hill.

• Hobby Elliott: This song is also said to have been written by James Robson. Like his "Satyr on Women," he wrote several pieces while he was a prisoner in Preston.

See also

• Geordie dialect words
• John Bell
• Rhymes of Northern Bards