Winter Hill on song

There’s a rich tradition of song attached to the Winter Hill protests. A poem about it appeared almost immediately after the event, but only fragments survive. Later, Allen Clarke penned his own ode to the events.

Will yo’ come o’ Sunday mornin’ For a walk o’er Winter Hill?

Ten thousand went last Sunday, But there’s room for thousands still!

For the 125th anniversary, folk musician, podcaster and avid walker Johnny Campbell (above) has written a full-throated anthem titled Winter Hill Trespass. It’s a belting listen.

The landman’s locked the gate, says “You’ll have to wait,

Your leisure’s less important than a grouse upon the plate

“I’ll let the toffs run free, shooting merrily,” Ah sez, “The grouse has lived on that there moor ’long ’fore you & me!”

Get the song at johnnycampbell. bandcamp.com. CW readers get a 15% by entering the code countrywalk15 at purchase.