“The Wreck of the Lady Shearbrooke”
Description
The singer recalls sailing on the Lady Shearbrooke, and describes how the ship was wrecked on the rocks, with only 33 surviving. Upon returning to the banks of the Foyle, he sees Mary Doyle lamenting her lost love. He steps up and reveals himself
Notes
Smith/Hatt has the captain's name as Henry Gambols; Northern Shipwrecks Database has it as Henry Gambles. NSDB has various numbers of lost among the crew and cargo of immigrants: for example, 30/306, 30/360, 36/575 saved/total. - BS
Historical references
- Jul 19, 1831 - Lady Sherbrooke stranded at Mouse Island near Port aux Basques Newfoundland en route from Londonderry, Ireland to Quebec. See NOTES. (Source: Northern Shipwrecks Database)
Cross references
- cf. "The Lady of the Lake (The Banks of Clyde II)" [Laws N41] (plot)
- cf. "Thomas and Nancy" [Laws K15] (theme)
References
- SHenry H570, pp. 310-311, "Mary Doyle/The Wreck of the Lady Shearbrooke" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Smith/Hatt, pp. 79-82, "The Ship Lady Sherbrooke" (1 text)
- Roud #1974
- BI, HHH570