Tom of Bedlam - English Folk Song

"Tom of Bedlam" or "Bedlam Boys" was first published in 1720 by Thomas D’Urfey, according to wikipedia, under the title ‘Mad Maudlin’s Search’, and is a reply to an earlier Bedlam song, ‘Mad Tom o’ Bedlam’. It describes Mad Maudlin’s search for her lover, Mad Tom. There were in fact many versions of such songs and poems, all celebrating/mocking the delusions and antics of the lunatics from Bedlam (Bethlehem Royal Hospital in Beckenham, South-east London). In the 18th century the hospital used to charge visitors a penny each to come and watch the lunatics, and this became a popular pastime amongst the middle and upper classes.

Performed by John Roberts.

Links to the images:

[Viscount_Castlereagh]

I love the sound of the singing in these types of English folk songs. It is so unique when compared to the other folk songs of the British Isles.

[Virtual_pie]

I got nostalgia listening to this. I remember my dad singing this when I was little:’)

[johnbull]

Bedlam gates have been opened in many English cities in this month of August.

[NZC_Meow]

Do you happen to have a recording of the British patriotic song High Germany? I saw it in a dream last night...

[LivingCrusader]

Shows how far we have come. Still got long a ways to go.