“James Grant”

Description

James Grant is besieged; he tells his attackers, the folk of Ballindalloch, that he has no quarrel with them. Despite this, he is forced to the hills

Notes

This ballad exists only in a fragment -- so brief that it is hard to be certain that it pertains to the events described, let alone which phase of the chase is mentioned. Child's notes say just about all there is to say about the piece. - RBW

Historical references

  • 1628 - John Grant of Carron killed by John Grant of Ballindalloch
  • 1630 - James Grant of Carron, the uncle of John Grant, takes revenge on Ballindalloch and turns outlaw. The authorities authorize Clan Chattan to bring him to justice, and later others, but none could catch him. In 1639 Grant made peace with the king

References

  1. Child 197, "James Grant" (1 text)
  2. Roud #3918
  3. BI, C197

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1878
Keywords: feud fight escape
Found in: Britain(Scotland)