Van Diemen's Land (folk song) facts for kids

"Van Diemen's Land" is a very old English folk song. It is also known by names like "Henry the Poacher" or "Young Henry's Downfall." This song tells a sad but important story. It's about what happened to people who were sent far away from England as punishment.

The song was very popular in the 1800s. People printed it on special papers called broadsides. Later, in the 1900s, people collected versions of the song from singers who had learned it from their families. Many modern folk singers have also recorded it.

This song is a warning. It describes what happened to a man who was caught illegally hunting animals. His punishment was to be sent to a British prison colony. This colony was in a place called Van Diemen's Land, which is now Tasmania in Australia.

There is another song also called "Van Diemen's Land." It has a different story and tune. That song is sometimes called "The Gallant Poachers."

The Story of "Van Diemen's Land" Song

The song is told by a character named Henry. He asks young people to listen to his story. He wants them to understand the hard life of people sent away as punishment.

Henry explains that he grew up in England. His parents cared for him and gave him a good education. But then, he and a few friends were caught illegally hunting. Because they had done this before, their case was very serious. They were sentenced to 14 years of "transportation." This meant being sent to a faraway land.

Henry's Journey to Australia

Henry describes the long ship journey to Australia. He says, "No land, no harbour could we see." All they saw was black water around them and blue sky above. He thought about his parents whom he had left behind.

When the ship arrived in Australia, Henry and the other prisoners were shocked. They saw other prisoners working very hard. Some were even chained to farm tools like a harrow or a plough.

The prisoners were then marched to a settlement. Henry was sold to a master who treated him well. He worked as a bookkeeper. He even found a partner, a female servant named Rosanna. She was also a prisoner, sent from Worcestershire.

Even though they found love, they were still prisoners. They often shared their sad stories. They were far from home, "rattling of our chains in foreign lands to roam."

Some versions of the song have a warning message:

• Young men, all now beware,
• Lest you are drawn into a snare.

How the Song Was Shared

"Van Diemen's Land" was a very popular song. It spread in different ways over many years.

Old Printed Copies (Broadsides)

Many printers made copies of this song on broadsides. Broadsides were like old newspapers or posters. They were single sheets of paper printed with songs, poems, or news. People would buy them to read or sing. This song was often printed with another popular song called "All Jolly Fellows that Follow the Plough."

Versions from Traditional Singers

People also learned this song by hearing it from others. The Roud Folk Song Index lists 11 versions of the song. These were collected from traditional singers all over England. For example, three versions were found in Norfolk. Two were found in Hampshire. Other versions came from places like Yorkshire and Somerset.

Famous Recordings of the Song

Many people have recorded "Van Diemen's Land." These recordings help keep the song alive.

Field Recordings

Some recordings are "field recordings." This means they were recorded directly from traditional singers. The British Library Sound Archive has two such versions. One is by a Norfolk singer named Walter Pardon. Another is by an unnamed singer.

Walter Pardon's version is also on a CD called Farewell My Own Dear Native Land. Another Norfolk singer, Harry Cox, also sang "Henry the Poacher." His version is on the CD "What Will Become of England? - Harry Cox." A version by Yorkshire singer Frank Hinchliffe was released on the LP "In Sheffield Park."

Recordings by Modern Folk Singers

Many modern folk singers and groups have recorded this song. These include:

• Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger on their 1960 album "Chorus from the Gallows."
• The Young Tradition.
• Shirley Collins and the Albion Band.
• The Demon Barbers on their CD "Uncut."