“The Baron of Brackley”

Description

Inverey comes to Brackley's gate, calling for Brackley to come forth. The baron, with few men on hand, would stay within, but his wife shames him into going out (with 4 men against 400). Brackley is killed; Lady Brackley rejoices. (His son vows revenge)

Notes

The feud between Brackley and Inverey seems to have arisen when the former raided Inverey's cattle and refused to give compensation. Inverey rode to Brackley's, and recovered both his own cattle and Brackley's own. Brackley, his brother, and two or three others rode forth and were killed.

It is worth noting that Margaret Burnet, Lady Brackley, married Brackley without her family's consent, implying that it was a love match. The rumour that she was untrue may have arisen because she later remarried. - RBW

Historical references

• 1666 - Reported date of the fatal feud between Brackley and Inverey.

Recordings

• Ewan MacColl, "The Baron of Brackley" (ESFB1, ESFB2)

References

1. Child 203, "The Baron of Brackley" (4 texts)
2. Bronson 203, "The Baron of Brackley" (3 versions+6 in addenda)
3. Leach, pp. 544-546, "The Baron of Brackley" (1 text)
4. OBB 149, "The Baron of Brackley" (1 text)
5. Gummere, pp. 151-154+333, "The Baron of Brackley" (1 text)
6. DBuchan 23, "The Baron of Brackley" (1 text)
7. HarvClass-EP1, pp. 119-121, "The Baron of Brackley" (1 text)
8. DT 203, BRNBRKLY* BRNBRKL2
9. Roud #4017
10. BI, C203