The Weaver and the Factory Maid - Steeleye Span (Live, 1989)

This Steeleye Span song combines Robert Cinnamond’s fragment of Roud 3085 ( with the text of a version of Roud 17771 collected and recorded by A.L. Lloyd. The song was released on the 1973 album “Parcel of Rogues“. This performance was part of their 20th anniversary concert in 1989 at the Beck Theatre in London. Maddy Prior: vocals Bob Johnson: vocals, electric guitar Peter Knight: vocals, violin Tim Harries: bass, keyboards, vocals Liam Genockey: drums, percussion “The earliest weavers’ songs are from the time when handloom weavers went from village to village, setting up in farmhouse and cottage kitchens. Amorous chances were plenty. The invention of the powerloom and the establishment of textile factories brought a great change in the handloom weavers’ lives. This song, lyrical and wry, curiously illuminates this moment in history when the handworkers were finding themselves obliged to follow the girls into the