Learning Resources

Up To the Rigs

This misogynistic tale of deceit and wanton theft was very popular amongst country singers but not often noted down by Victorian and Edwardian collectors (who probably deemed it far too vulgar). Luckily this version was recorded from the Dorset singer Charlie Wills, born in 1875. He was taped in 1952 by Peter Kennedy singing this song with magnificent glee and spirit.

 
This song was part of Singing Histories, a national project led by Sing London to create booklets and resources containing traditional folk songs and history from eight areas across England.

The Singing Histories - London illustrated song book (which includes this song) can be downloaded from the document tab at the top of this panel.  Audio recording(s) of this song are also available from the audio tab.